Beards, Disabilities and Skin Conditions

Beard maintenance is very important. In fact, it is disturbing to note that studies have shown the majority of beards harbour very high concentrations of bacteria. In particular, bacteria that is commonly found in faecal matter. It has been proven that beards more easily trap germs and bacteria that a clean shaven face. Even more worrying is the fact that these germs and bacteria are very easily transmitted to the mouth from beards, or to others through contact. If you want to have a look at some examples of this research please see the bottom of this page. It is a Muslim’s duty to guard their health, and take care of their appearance in a pleasing manner. This includes ensuring facial hear is neat and tidy. It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the prophet Mohammed said, “Whoever has hair let him take care of it”, narrated by Abu Dawud. However, beard maintenance can be difficult for people with all ranges of disabilities or health conditions. Some people may find that they are able to maintain their beard with the use of particular adaptive equipment, or certain products. Some of the most common examples are as follows:

Equipment and products to assist with beard maintenance for those with disabilities or skin conditions

Beard Trimmers: I was unable to find any beard trimmers adapted for those with disabilities. The best option that is available is adaptive scissors for general use. These are altered to be easier to use for those with weak grip, or are made with longer handles to assist those with some upper limb impairments.
Razors: grips are available to fit on both electric and manual razors that make it easier for people with weak grip.
Mirrors: those with some vision impairments may want to use a magnifying mirror to help them see what they are doing. Pivoting mirrors may be useful for those who have a reduced range of motion in their neck or upper torso.
Hair care: Some hair care products can worsen the symptoms of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. It is best to see a dermatologist (a skin specialist) who can examine your condition and recommend a management regime best suited to you. Speak to your GP to ask for a referral. Be sure to tell your doctor whether you wish to see a dermatologist privately or publicly. Please note that the public system usually has much longer waiting lists, although it is free for people eligible for Medicare. If you do not wish to see a dermatologist then you should speak with your pharmacist at the very least. Your pharmacist will be able to recommend products based on your description of your condition. When you speak to either the dermatologist or pharmacist ensure that you tell them you will be using the product on your facial hair. Products that may be suitable for the hair on your head may cause irritation to the more sensitive skin on your face.
Shaving cream/aftershave/ointments: Some shaving cream, aftershave or ointments can irritate skin conditions. Products that contain fragrances or alcohol are some of the most common products to irritate the skin. As with hair care speak to your dermatologist or pharmacist for advice.

Inability to maintain a beard in a clean and tidy state

Other people may find that their disability prevents them from being able to maintain their beard even with adaptive equipment. In such cases you may get a carer to do it for you. In some cases you may be able to receive some funded support for personal care, including beard maintenance. In these cases you will usually pay a small amount as a contribution to your care. If you live in a residential facility such care will often be included. If not you should discuss this with your support worker so that your care plan may be adjusted to your needs.

In some cases maintaining a beard is simply not possible. Some are unable to maintain a beard due to their disability, and do not have access to a carer who can do it for them. Others may have conditions that cause having a beard to cause irritation, or to worsen their condition. Certain symptoms, such as severe tremors in the hands, can make beard care outright dangerous. Some treatments, such as those for cancer, can even cause hair to fall out. Finally, some conditions may prevent a person from growing a beard that is not patchy or unsightly.

We should never judge. You cannot tell from the outside what conditions a person suffers from, or the reasons behind their actions. We should always give others the benefit of the doubt, assuming the best instead of the worst.

If you cannot maintain a beard in a clean and tidy state, or cannot do so without undergoing considerable hardship, do not worry. Allah only asks for your best, and knows all that happens to you. We have been taught that we will not be punished for that which we could not help. It is your intention that matters. Allah does not wish you hardship in your faith.

The permissibility of shaving or trimming facial hair

If you are unable to maintain a beard in a clean and tidy state due to illness, disability, condition, or other difficulties, or can do so with considerable difficulty, then please read the paragraph above as you would come under an exception to these legalities. For those who do not have any difficulty in maintaining a beard the legalities of shaving differ amongst scholars and schools. The majority of scholars believe that shaving the entire beard off is haram. However, Shafi’I scholars believe that it is only makrooh, or dislikable, but not punishable or forbidden.

In relation to trimming the beard it was reported by Hasan and Ibn Sirinwe to Abu Hilal that there is no harm in trimming the beard, as was reported by Waki. We also have numerous accounts from the hadith of the prophet Mohammed’s companions trimming their beards. Ibn Abi Shayba in his Musannaf expressed that Ali used to trim his beard beside his cheeks, and that Tawus also trimmed his beard. Ibrahim Al Nakhai said “They used to trim their beard (to shorten its length) and take from its width”. Al Baji reported in Al Muntaqi Sharh Al Muwata that Malik said it was desirable to trim the beard and moustache. As for the degree to which the beard should be trimmed there is no real consensus regarding this, due to insufficient evidence existing to support any definite claim.

Some research papers on the topic of beards harbouring and transmitting bacteria
Barbeito, MS, Mathews, CT, and Taylor, LA 1967, ‘Microbiological Laboratory Hazard of Bearded Men’, Applied and Environmental Microbiology, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 899-906.

McLure, HA, Mannam, M, Talboys, CA, Azadian, BS, Yentis, SM 2000, ‘The effect of facial hair and sex on the dispersal of bacteria below a masked subject’, Anaesthesia, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 173-176.

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