Mustaches length for men?

Question: Keeping short mustache for the men. For long mustache is done by the non-believers and we are not to follow them. My question is, if a man decides to still keep it long for maybe he likes it or it is more comfortable in it… what’s the ruling? He gets sins or it’s just makruh or mubah??

Praise to Allah

Summary:

1. General Islamic Guidance on Mustaches:
   • Islam encourages men to trim their mustaches and let their beards grow. This is based on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم), who instructed Muslims to differ from the non-believers in their grooming habits (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5892; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 259).
2. Ruling on Keeping a Long Mustache:
   • Keeping a long mustache is considered makruh (disliked) but not haram (forbidden). It is recommended to keep the mustache trimmed to maintain cleanliness and to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم).
   • If a man decides to keep a long mustache due to personal preference or comfort, he is not sinning, but it is better to follow the preferred practice of trimming it.

Detailed Answer:

General Islamic Guidance on Mustaches:

Islamic grooming practices are influenced by the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم). He said:

“Trim the mustache and let the beard grow; be different from the polytheists.”

Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5892; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 259

• Trimming the Mustache: The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) emphasized trimming the mustache to maintain cleanliness and hygiene. This practice is part of the fitrah (natural disposition) that Muslims are encouraged to follow.
• Letting the Beard Grow: Letting the beard grow is also part of the fitrah and is a distinguishing feature between Muslims and non-believers.

The scholars are unanimously agreed that it is permissible to trim or cut the mustache, as indicated by numerous hadiths. For instance, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:

“Let the beard grow, and trim the mustache.”

Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5442

He (صلى الله عليه وسلم) also said:

“Whoever does not remove anything from the mustache is not one of us.”

Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2685

Imam Al-Nawawi stated in Al-Majmoo’ (1/340): “As for cutting the mustache, there is unanimous agreement that it is Sunnah.”

Ruling on Keeping a Long Mustache:

The scholars differ on the extent to which the mustache should be trimmed:

• Complete Removal: Some scholars, including the followers of Abu Hanifah, believe it is permissible to remove the mustache entirely based on the apparent meanings of the hadiths that mention shaving or removing the mustache completely (Nayl al-Awtaar, 1/148).
• Trimming but Not Shaving: Others, including Imam Malik, are against complete removal. Imam Malik considered shaving the mustache as mutilation and an innovation (bid’ah). He advocated for trimming it to show the edge of the lip but not shaving it off entirely.
• Balanced View: Imam Ahmad mentioned that either shaving or trimming is permissible, but he preferred trimming so that the edge of the lip is visible, aligning with what the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) used to do (Zaad al-Ma’aad, 1/171).

Conclusion:

In summary, while keeping a long mustache is not a sin, it is better to follow the practice of trimming it as encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم). This practice promotes cleanliness and distinguishes Muslims from non-believers. Adhering to the Sunnah in grooming habits is recommended to align with the teachings of Islam.

And Allah Knows Best