Trimming the beard to get a job
Question
My family's financial condition is very severe nowadays. And here in India, I'm not getting a job anywhere in the companies because of my beard in spite of being highly qualified. My parents have some how gathered up money and also through a relatives' link have got me a job in U.S. And as I have to appear for visa interview, my parents have said me to trim the beard to less than a fistful length just for the visa interview and not to cut the beard afterwards as after reaching there it isn't going to be a problem inshallah. They're very sceptical that if I appear the visa interview without trimming, the interviewer might presume me to be a "radical Islamic fundamentalist" and reject me. And all the last pennies invested on me will turn to zilch. Also there isn't much hope here in India to get a job as I have tried to get one since last 3 years. Considering my financial condition, will it be allowed for me to trim my beard to less than a fistful length just for this occasion? Even I'm very reluctant to do it but my financial condition and the state of my family is such that I'm forced to entertain such vile ideas. Please advise me.
Answer
These are just doubts. Be faithful to Allah Ta`ala, trust in Him and He will open up a way for you. Allah Ta`ala is the provider. Don't ever do anything that will displease Allah Ta`ala.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
- Answered by
- Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)
Where scholars differ, it’s safer to take the more cautious view.
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