From `Abdul `Aziz Ibn `Abdullah Bin Baz to the honorable brother, the editorinchief of Okaz newspaper, may Allah protect him!
Assalamu `alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh (May Allah's Peace, Mercy, and Blessings be upon you!)
It was published in Sha`ban 18, 1393 A.H. on Mujtama`una Page [Society page] a short article entitled, "Negligence destroys marital life" in which the writer says, "A man might neglect his looks at the weekend by not shaving his beard and so he looks shabby and sad." This saying is Munkar (that which is unacceptable or disapproved of by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect). It is an invitation to contradict the Sunnah, therefore, I thought it is my duty to advise you and the Muslims to ward off the punishment [of keeping silent when advice is necessary].
A wise man knows that the best of generations is the generation of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). The Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with them) did not shave their beards following the example of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and in compliance with his commands.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Trim closely the mustache and grow the beard. Be different from the fireworshippers. (Related by Muslim in his Sahih (authentic) book of Hadith).
The Prophet (may Allah's Peace and Blessings be upon him) also says: Trim closely the mustache and let the beard grow to be contradictory to the disbelievers. (Agreed upon by AlBukhari and Muslim).
It is also to avoid contradicting him (peace be upon him). The last generations of this Ummah (nation) will not succeed except with what brought success to the first generations. The blind imitation of the enemies of Islam and the abandonment of the teachings of Shari`ah made many people exchange that which is good for that which is evil.
They also invite others to shave their beards as in the article published in your newspaper. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said in an authentic Hadith, Anyone who calls others to (follow the Right) Guidance will have a reward equal to the reward of those who follow him, without their reward being diminished at all and whoever invites others to follow misguidance, their sin will be equivalent to that of the people who follow them (in sinfulness) without their sins being diminished in any respect.
You should beware of publishing anything that contradicts the Shari`ah. Rather, you should publish the Shari`ah teachings and guidance. Your newspaper should be a key to guidance. I did not know of this article until 5/1/ 1394 A.H. and this is the reason for my late reply.
May Allah guide us all to what pleases Him! May He guide us to His Straight Path and protect us from the evil of ourselves and the evil consequences of our deeds.
Assalamu `alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh
President of the Islamic University in AlMadinah