Amidst slurry of bans from govt, Darul Deoband declares shaving un-Islamic

Lucknow: In a decision that might seriously hamper their business, two men from Sahranpur have sought the Darul Uloom Deoband here to issue a fatwa stating that it is un-Islamic to shave one's beard. What is more surprising is that the duo run a hair salon themselves. The fatwa has been granted.

The two people have decided not to shave or trim any beards. As it was getting difficult to convince the customers, they have now put a copy of the fatwa outside their shop.

According to media reports, the fatwa was issued by a panel of 3 muftis, and states that "shaving beard was un-islamic as it is not permitted in the sharia. The Islamic constitution doesn't allow us to cut the beard of a person of any religion. If someone is in this business he should try to change to some other job."

But the ruling has prompted a flurry of confusion among Islamic barbers and clean shaven men. Some argue that not supporting a beard is not preferred but not (haram) forbidden in Islam.