The imamate of one whose beard is shorter than a fist

Question

If an imam leads the prayer while keeping his beard at less than a fist’s length, should one pray behind him or pray alone? Kindly write which way is better.

Answer

An imam who does not keep his beard at one fist’s length, but cuts it short beforehand, should not be appointed as imam: appointing him as imam is makruh, and the prayer behind him will be performed with karaha (dislikedness). If there is no other suitable imam, then out of necessity one should pray behind him — do not abandon the congregation.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

Preview. The full text opens with JavaScript enabled.