𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗷 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 (484) Remaining Distinct (Tamyyuz) from Ahlul-Bid’ah Even in Appearance Question: May Allāh reward you with goodness. This questioner asks: What is the ruling on what many people do—growing their hair long and then tying it at the back of the head? Sheikh Sulayman Ar-Ruhaili hafidahullah: It is permissible for a man to grow his hair long, on the condition that he honours and maintains it. He should not leave it unkempt or in a state that becomes a breeding ground for lice, as is sometimes seen in the appearance of certain individuals—one might think a tree is growing from their head rather than hair. Another condition is that he must not imitate women in doing so; he should not style his hair in the manner of women. If one avoids resembling women and does not neglect the proper care of his hair, then it is permissible for him to grow it long. However, one important principle observed by Ahlus-Sunnah wa’l-Jamā‘ah is that if a certain appearance or practice becomes a known characteristic of Ahlul-Bid‘ah, then Ahlus-Sunnah should avoid it—unless it is something clearly legislated in the religion. For example, today the Khawārij have become known for growing their hair long. Out of ignorance, they believe that by doing so they can distance themselves from being identified as Khawārij, since the Prophet ﷺ said, “Their distinguishing mark is shaving.” Therefore, if a man is living in a country where the Khawārij are present or where the local people associate long hair with them, he should refrain from growing his hair long in order to avoid resembling the people of innovation. This is in accordance with the principle followed by Ahlus-Sunnah: “The people of Sunnah distinguish themselves from the people of innovation, even in appearance.” However, if the practice in question is something legislated in Islam, then it does not harm us to agree with Ahlul-Bid’ah in doing it. For instance, letting the beard grow is a religiously prescribed act. Some people today claim that growing the beard is the way of the Khawārij, and therefore they shave it—this is incorrect. On one occasion, I met a man who, masha’Allah, was diligent in safeguarding the prayer in a manner that brings joy to the heart, so I had hope in him, though he shaved both his beard and mustache. I advised him gently, saying, “A person like you, who beats us to the masjid and maintains even the voluntary prayers—may Allāh bless you—should also grow his beard, because the Prophet ﷺ grew his and commanded it.” He replied, “The Pope over here also grows a beard, and I want to be different from the Christians.” I smiled and explained the matter further. Some people abandon acts that are legislated in the name of opposing the people of innovation or other groups—this is not acceptable. But when it comes to permissible matters, where a person has a choice, Ahlus-Sunnah should strive to remain distinguished in appearance from Ahlul-Bid’ah. In summary: if a man wishes to grow his hair long, he must maintain it properly and not imitate women in any form, whether in style or tying it. Moreover, he should avoid doing so if he is in an environment where long hair is considered a sign of Ahlul-Bid’ah. ---------- Related benefits ⤵️ https://t.me/madrasatuna/1385 https://t.me/almanhajussalafi/629