| Book Title: Growing a Beard: In Light of Qur'an,
Sunnah and Modern Science
by: Dr. Gohar Mushtaq
(Publisher: Ta-Ha Publishers, UK)
Book Summary:
This book provides a detailed study on the importance of growing
the beard in Islam. In the present age, many Muslims are affected
by the Western imperialism and media so much that they do not consider
the beard as a symbol of Muslim identity anymore. The author has
combined various disciplines in this book: tafseer, ahaadeth, opinions
of Islamic jurists, history, social psychology, biology as well
as comparative religion.
The author’s research is wide-ranging – from the history
of the beard among various nations in the past and present to the
reasons for the rise of beardless culture among Muslims. He delves
deep into the psychological and sociological reasons which resulted
in the negligence of this important Sunnah by many present day Muslims.
To strengthen his case, the author has presented the recent scientific
research done by social psychologists which shows that the presence
of a beard on man’s face makes him appear more attractive,
intellectual, honest and heroic both in the eyes of women as well
as men.
Review of this book published in Islamic Voice monthly can be
viewed at:
http://www.islamicvoice.com/november.2003/book.htm
Places from where the book can be purchased:
1) Maktaba Darus-Salam, Brooklyn, New York Phone number (718)625-5925
email: darussalamny@hotmail.com
2) Also available from:
http://www.simplyislam.com/iteminfo.asp?Item=53493
Table of Contents of “Growing a Beard: In Light of Qur'an,
Sunnah and Modern Science”
Introduction
Chapter 1
Growing the beard --- In the light of Qur'an and Hadeeth
Physical Description of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
Position of Islamic Scholars regarding the growing of a beard
Shaa'ri Length of the Beard
Questions to ask those who have doubts
Chapter 2
Scientific Research Pertaining to the Beard
Presence of beard makes men sexually more attractive
Impression of a Man's Personality based on the Presence or Absence
of a Beard
The hypothesis that a bearded man is perceived less attractive
than a non-bearded man has been proved wrong by research
The influence of beard on the perception of a job applicant by
persons making the hiring decisions
Effects of having a beard and wearing glasses on judgements of
occupation and personal qualities
Beard increases our own feelings of manhood (self-perceived masculinity)
Beard as a secondary sex characteristic of males
Interesting Relationship between Sexual Activity and Beard Growth
in Man
Medical Benefits of the Beard
Medically incorrect information about growing the beard
Total time wasted in shaving by a man in his whole lifetime
Chapter 3
Reasons for the Rise of Beardless Culture among Muslims
Modern Christians are not interested in Prophet Jesus Christ with
a beard
Shaving Industry and Fashion Industry promote the 'Beardless-face'
Culture through Advertisements and TV
Chapter 4
Why Grow a Beard?
Commandment of growing the beard in Jewish and Christian Religious
Books
Adherence of the Amish people to the commandment of Growing the
beard in the Bible
Significance of growing the beard in Sikh religious scriptures
Increasing trend of growing the beard among Japanese men
The beard can correct facial flaws of a person
Insights of a converted Muslim (new Muslim) regarding the commandment
of growing the beard in Islam
Concept of Deviance & Norm in society according to Islam as
opposed to Modern Sociology
Growing a beard does NOT prevent a Muslim from solving the important
problems faced by the Muslim nation today
Chapter 5
Interesting Stories and Historical Facts Related to the Beard
Personal Story
Repentance (Tawbah) of Mirza Qateel
George Bernard Shaw did not fall into the trap of a razor-manufacturing
company
Russian Empress Catherine the Great admired men with beards
Material Greed Resulted in a Person’s Disobeying Allah and
Losing his Worldly Gain
Logic Used by Imam Faraahi to convince Sheikh Islaahi about the
Importance of Beard in Islam
Reflections of an American Muslim about his beard
A Yong Girl wrote a Letter to Lincoln persuading him to grow his
beard which would increase his popularity in the public
Chapter 6
Concluding Remarks
|
