Shaving the beard or cutting it less than a fist-length

Question:

Dental Clinics are opening up in Toronto again this week for non-essential services. However, dentists are required to wear n95 masks. For that, they have to have a fit test. In order to pass this test, they have to shave their beards or keep a french beard. The other option is to wear a respiratory mask but with that, they can't wear the loupe which they need to examine the mouth. Answer: ﺑﺴﻢ اﷲ اﻟﺮﺣﻤﻦ اﻟﺮﺣﯿﻢ In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Shaving the beard or cutting it less than a fist-length is strictly prohibited. It is advised that you speak to your employer in order to receive a religious exemption. It is mentioned on the abcnews website, “Hospitals have policies in place granting religious exemptions to shaving.” https://abcnews.go.com/Health/beards-n95-face-masks/story?id=69916196 It is not permissible to shave one’s beard on account of one’s job (DARHI-AUR-BALON-KAY-SHARI-AHKAAM: p. 20-21 [Maktaba Umar Farooq]). Allah (s.w.t.) is the sole provider, hence, one should call unto Him and place their trust in Him. Allah (s.w.t.) says, “And whoever fears Him, He will make a way out for him (from every difficulty) [2]. And He will provide for him from where he could not imagine. And whoever trusts Allah, then He is sufficient for him.” [3] (Surah Al-Talaq: v. 2-3)

Only Allah knows best

Written by Maulana Mohammad Ahsan Osmani Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham