Ads by Muslim Ad Network

Is Shaving Beards to Fit Face Mask for Protection From Coronavirus Permissible?

15 April, 2020
Q What is the ruling of shaving the beard to properly fit the N95 mask for protection against Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. 

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.


In this fatwa:

1- It is permissible to trim the beard to the extent that would make proper mask fitting possible.

2- If this is not achieved by trimming, then leaving a goatee would be the next option.

Ads by Muslim Ad Network

3- If leaving a goatee prevents proper fitting, then shaving the beard is permissible to prioritize the sacredness of life and prevent harm to oneself or others.  


Answering your question, the Resident Fatwa Committee (RFC) of AMJA states:

The Assembly of Muslim Jurists in America (AMJA) advises that whenever there is a need for such masks and alternative masks that do not require shaving are unavailable or less effective, then it would be permissible to trim the beard to the extent that would make proper fitting possible in order to avoid Coronavirus (COVID-19).

If this is not achieved by trimming, then leaving a goatee would be the next option, as some physicians were advised. If leaving a goatee too prevented proper mask fitting, then shaving the beard is permissible for this extraordinary indication, to prioritize the sacredness of life and prevent harm to oneself or others.  

May the blessings of Allah be on His last Messenger, and all praise belongs to the Lord of the Worlds.

Almighty Allah knows best.

Source: https://www.amjaonline.org/