Allah, exalted is He, says, “We sent no messenger except to be obeyed by Allah’s leave.” ⦗An-Nisa 4:64⦘.

The Prophet ﷺ said, “The best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad ﷺ.” ⦗Narrated by Muslim⦘.

It is firmly established in the descriptions of his physical appearance ﷺ that he had a thick, imposing beard. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported, “His beard ﷺ filled the space from here to here,” and he passed his hand over his cheeks. ⦗Ibn ʿAsakir, History of Damascus⦘.

The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) could tell he was reciting during the Zhuhr and ʿAsr prayers by the tremor of his beard. ⦗Narrated by al-Bukhari⦘.

“When he performed wuduʾ, he would scoop a handful of water, bring it under his chin, and run it through his beard.” ⦗Authentic⦘. Many other hadiths convey the same meaning, all confirming that the Prophet ﷺ possessed a large beard.

How astonishing are those who claim to love him ﷺ, yet do not love his appearance, preferring instead the appearance of his enemies, even though Allah Most High says, “Say, ‘If you love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you.’” ⦗Ali ʿImran 3:31⦘.

And love that does not compel its possessor to follow and emulate the beloved—