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Obama Shows Muslim Tendencies, Promotes the Sunnah of the Beard

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artsplitcnn.jpg President (elect) Hussein (that sounds so nice) was apparently disappointed that Bill Richardson decided to shave his beard – a clear imitation of women and the kuffar. Hussein sahib is slowly letting out his Muslim tendencies. This comes on the heels of an announcement that he wants to speak from a Muslim capital city during his first 100 days of presidency.

While it’s certainly exciting that President Hussein is pushing the sunnah of beards with his administration, we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that he is practicing a severely watered down version of fiqh. It is, of course, debatable whether the salaf allowed trimming the beard, but the “beard” of Bill Richardson pictured here definitely does not qualify for more than a goatee with extensions.  The only excuse I can make for him is that Hussein sahib is following a specific opinion in the Maliki or Shafi’i madhab. This stance is plausible given his Indonesian madrassa roots and Kenyan heritage (which would seem to indicate he is Shafi’i).

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Obama  Disappointed with Richardson’s Shaved Beard

(CNN) – Gov. Bill Richardson showed up to his press conference with President-elect Barack Obama Wednesday morning without the beard he has been sporting since dropping out of the presidential race in January, sparking his new boss to tell reporters he is “deeply disappointed with the loss of the beard.””I’m going to answer this question about the beard,” said Obama, when Richardson was asked where the facial hair went. “I think it was a mistake for him to get rid of it. I thought that whole Western, rugged [this shows he considers shaving imitation of women] look was really working for him.

“For some reason, maybe because it was scratchy when he kissed his wife, he was forced to get rid of it.,” Obama continued as his nominee for commerce secretary smiled broadly. “But we’re deeply disappointed with the loss of the beard.

Obama didn’t let Richardson answer the question, but the New Mexico governor told Esquire Magazine in an interview posted online Wednesday that “After the campaign, I grew a beard as a rebellion against those consultants who told me I had to comb my hair, shave, lose weight. I said, You know, I’m gonna do what I want now. That was a good feeling.”

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These guys clearly heard our interview with Yasir Qadhi about the beards, in which the ‘biggest beard, biggest belly’ story was told.

Keep supporting MuslimMatters for the sake of Allah

Alhamdulillah, we're at over 850 supporters. Help us get to 900 supporters this month. All it takes is a small gift from a reader like you to keep us going, for just $2 / month.

The Prophet (SAW) has taught us the best of deeds are those that done consistently, even if they are small. Click here to support MuslimMatters with a monthly donation of $2 per month. Set it and collect blessings from Allah (swt) for the khayr you're supporting without thinking about it.

Omar Usman is a founding member of MuslimMatters and Qalam Institute. He teaches Islamic seminars across the US including Khateeb Workshop and Fiqh of Social Media. He has served in varying administrative capacities for multiple national and local Islamic organizations. You can follow his work at ibnabeeomar.com.

35 Comments

35 Comments

  1. Yusuf

    December 5, 2008 at 2:53 PM

    Waiting for Obama to grow a beard so Fox News can go nuts with speculation that he is a Muslim … I won’t hold my breath though. :)

  2. Amad

    December 5, 2008 at 4:14 PM

    Obama certainly has priorities straight, mashallah. I am disappointed that he didn’t stress for Richardson not to trim below the fist-full, because trimming below is a bida’i opinion, that only new-age faqeehs agree upon (talking about those who study a few years in medinah and then water-down their fiqh for america).

    So glad we supported Obama for Prez.. In your face, Obama-haters!

    P.S. Warning! Warning! This comment was in COMPLETE and UTTER jest. Pls refrain from hating on me. Enjoy the humor instead :)

  3. Algebra

    December 5, 2008 at 5:02 PM

    Aslamu-alaikum:
    BTW don’t assume anything. I am an Obama supporter even though I admire men with long beards and a little bit of a belly.
    salam
    “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder’
    salam

  4. Al-Madrasi

    December 5, 2008 at 5:23 PM

    I wish someone made a comic with Obama like a sheikh and telling Richardson not to shave it :P, that wud be more fun :P

  5. H

    December 5, 2008 at 5:30 PM

    This blog has lost the plot!

  6. h. ahmed

    December 5, 2008 at 5:37 PM

    Hey – u should make excuses for those who can’t grow beards!!!! Remember those old school Shaykh Hamza videos of his attempt to grow beard… lol im glad he chose the goatee route (which is fine by maliki standards!!!)

    In fact Barack Hussein Obama has admitted that he can’t grow a beard: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/04/obama-i-cant-grow-facial_n_148545.html.

    “I can’t grow facial hair… I get whiskers.”

    – President Elect B. Hussein Obama”

  7. Mumtaz

    December 5, 2008 at 8:05 PM

    Hahaha.. You guys are so funny walah. :)

  8. abu abdAllah, the Houstonian

    December 6, 2008 at 9:45 AM

    bismillah. you want to know what really makes a guy effeminate?

    i stop in front of a nearly deserted grocery store this morning on my way home from fajr. my moustache is cut short, but my beard is full and in need of combing. instead of my normal kufi, i am wearing my afghani-pashto i-dare-you-to-say-what-you’re-thinking-hat. i lower my window and ask a cart-wrangler (yeah, that’s what they’re called) if the store is open yet…

    “yes, ma’am.” well, after all, i was driving a minivan.

  9. Saad

    December 6, 2008 at 10:31 AM

    I am waiting for the first bombs to be dropped by U.S. govt. F-16s on either Afghanistan or Pakistan under Obama so that this article will assume its relevance at that point in time.

  10. Siraaj

    December 6, 2008 at 12:46 PM

    The drumbeat for war in pakistan is building up.

    Siraaj

  11. Cookies

    December 6, 2008 at 1:14 PM

    I just realized… that…

    Abraham Lincoln had a (sunnah) beard as well! haha…

  12. Algebra

    December 6, 2008 at 3:20 PM

    Aslamu-alaikum:

    “Saad said:

    I am waiting for the first bombs to be dropped by U.S. govt. F-16s on either Afghanistan or Pakistan under Obama so that this article will assume its relevance at that point in time.”

    Instead wishing and “waiting” for someting horrific to happen “why don’t you” PRAY that it doesn’t happen.
    Huh
    salam

  13. Algebra

    December 6, 2008 at 3:22 PM

    Aslalmu-alaikum:

    “Cookies said:

    I just realized… that…

    Abraham Lincoln had a (sunnah) beard as well! haha…”

    EVEN THOUGH ABRAHAM LINCOLN WAS NOT A MUSLIM WHAT HE STOOD FOR
    FAIRNESS AND JUSTICE
    the SPEECH(WORDS) were good and what he stood for was good.

    The Prophet(PBUH) had his UNCLE, who didn’t die a MUSLIM, but he did help the PROPHET(PBUH)
    ALLAH has his own PLAN.
    ALLAH KNOWS EVERYTHING?
    salam

  14. Algebra

    December 6, 2008 at 3:29 PM

    Aslamu-alaikum:

    “Siraaj said:
    The drumbeat for war in pakistan is building up.”

    1I don’t know who you are but seriously. I LOVE PAKISTAN. I my father,grandmother, and relatives and I just don’t want anything bad to happen to them. Even though, I was born and raised in the US, I have a love for my backgrougn and heritage. I just do. I can’t help it.

    2. Next, the people of a country are not overtaken UNLESS they diverted. Thats, just my two cents worth. The people of Pakistan had MUSHARRAF first, which in my opinion was better PROTECTOR than ZARDARI……………………
    Even though MUSHARRAF wasn’t PERFECT, he still was strong GENERAL.
    Its the people that voted for a LOONY like ZARDARI.
    So when the people CHANGED for the WORSE that is WHEN they ARE OVERTAKEN by WORSE PEOPLE>
    thats just my two cents worth.
    PLEASE PRAY THAT NOTING HAPPENS TO PAKISTAN.
    salam

  15. Arabian Mare

    December 6, 2008 at 3:39 PM

    aslamu-alaikum;

    abu abdAllah, the Houstonian said:

    bismillah. you want to know what really makes a guy effeminate?

    i stop in front of a nearly deserted grocery store this morning on my way home from fajr. my moustache is cut short, but my beard is full and in need of combing. instead of my normal kufi, i am wearing my afghani-pashto i-dare-you-to-say-what-you’re-thinking-hat. i lower my window and ask a cart-wrangler (yeah, that’s what they’re called) if the store is open yet…

    “yes, ma’am.” well, after all, i was driving a minivan.”

    Your comments are tooo funny :)
    They sound just like my younger brothers(literally)
    I showed my sister your comment and she was laughing in a good way.
    I have to go now.
    salam

  16. Ibrahim

    December 6, 2008 at 4:30 PM

    Assalaam alaykum.

    While it is understandable that Muslims would hope that the U.S. would get a president with the least bit of interest in or sensitivity to the breadth of Islamic culture, especially in the U.S., I think it immature and presumptuous to keep ‘hoping’ that the U.S. President-elect, Mr. Barack Obama will make some significant affiliation to Islam as his way or life. . . .

    He has already stated that he is not a Muslim, and his adult life has been that of a conscious Christian. So, we Muslims should accept that reality and move on. The fact that his father was a Muslim by birth, and that his middle name is Hussein does not preclude that he will show any special consideration for, or make any specific inroads to addressing Muslim concerns whether immigrant or American convert.

    The fact of the matter – or at least one fact of many matters – is that the American people – Muslims and otherwise – express their collective dissatisfaction and disgust with the current out-going U.S. administration, and voted overwhelmingly for a change in administration and hopefully a change in the direction that America takes as a society in the so-called international community. I would rather Muslim Americans focus on the words that Gen. Colin Powell said, 1-he is not a Muslim, and 2-so what if he is . . . .

    Another fact of another matter is that the process of democracy has demonstrated that the American people can choose a leader based on principle rather than socio-economic, or ethnic allegiance. So, what should be the next step is give the man the opportunity do the job for which he was chosen and hold him to the same standards and accountability that any other man chosen for the same job would be held to no more . . . no less . . . just the same. . . .

    Alhamdulillah, there are two Muslim Americans serving in the U.S. Congress, Keith Ellison from Minnesota and Andre Cason from Indiana. Let’s pray that they can help to restore integrity to the U.S. Congress and lawmaking process, and pray that the entire U.S. governmental apparatus return to the use of intellect and wisdom in establishing policy rather than emotion and irrational thinking — beard or no beard.

    Allah guide us all to the best disposal of our affairs in this life & success in the hereafter and guide those who seek the truth whoever they may be.

  17. Saziz

    December 7, 2008 at 12:13 AM

    I love the fact that Algebra imagined the word ‘wishing’ in the gentlemans previous comment. Typical internet time wasting I guess.

    I especially loathe this new bias toward Obama. You talk so sweetly of him yet don’t hesitate in calling someone a kaffur if they shave their goatee. Look at the team Obama has around him. They have blood on their hands.

    Don’t worry algebra, I’m not ‘wishing’ for bombs to drop. I’m hoping things change and Obamas presidency goes some way to making muslims’ lives better.

    But for now, stop calling him President Hussein, he doesn’t ‘belong’ to us. He’s not a muslim. He’s said he isn’t a muslim. It’s not rocket science.

  18. ibnabeeomar

    December 7, 2008 at 1:06 AM

    I would request people to please read the analysis from this article before reading my post above, and before posting any comments.

  19. Qas

    December 7, 2008 at 3:24 AM

    I would request people to please read the analysis from this article before reading my post above, and before posting any comments.

    Verily, ibnabeeomar, that article was truly beneficial. I recommend all serious readers to benefit from this article before they analyze the more advanced main article.

  20. Ibrahim

    December 7, 2008 at 4:57 AM

    Assalaam alaykum, Br Ibnabeeomar.

    Your point at sarcasm notwithstanding, I would still submit that some Muslims may still be somewhat “endeared” to the President-elect’s middle name while somehow discarding the fact of his confirmation of faith. . . . . At the same time Muslim Americans, if we are to engage with the American system, then it would seem appropriate – within the limitations of the current living situation – to engage the principles integrity and accountability when it comes to dealing with the political system. . . .

    Although a bit of sarcasm is always welcome . . . .

    Allah guide us all to the best disposal of our affairs & the best practice of His Deen.

  21. moro

    December 7, 2008 at 6:15 AM

    ” the New Mexico governor told Esquire Magazine in an interview posted online Wednesday that “After the campaign, I grew a beard as a rebellion against those consultants who told me I had to comb my hair, shave, lose weight. I said, You know, I’m gonna do what I want now. That was a good feeling.”

    That reminded of a NEWSWEEK special coverage of the 1988 Presidential Campaign, entitled “The Keys to the White House”.

  22. Jawed Iqbal

    December 7, 2008 at 8:50 PM

    A full blog post about obama…? Looks like you guys have nothing better to write about, and when is it that you folks are going to stop obsessing about your “el presidente”…?? When he turns his back on you guys (signs are already there) and proves himself a bigger enemy of Muslims than Bush.

    Muslims should be better than this, we don’t need a cult of personality among us. obama’s decisions – even before he has taken office – should be proof enough that indeed, VERY tough times are ahead for our Ummah.

    May ALLAH Almighty Guide us….

  23. ibnabeeomar

    December 8, 2008 at 1:58 AM

    “You know, the days of just pork coming out of Congress … those days are over.”
    -President Hussein (CNN)

    First the beard, now no more pork for congress!!

  24. rabia gul

    December 8, 2008 at 1:18 PM

    whats in a beard actions count.may ALLAH ALMIGHTYGUIDE US AMEEN

  25. Qas

    December 8, 2008 at 5:40 PM

    whats in a beard actions count.

    That would make a cool pseudo-haiku:

    What’s in a beard
    Actions count

  26. Hasan

    December 8, 2008 at 7:43 PM

    Salam ‘alaykum

    You are really to far out on the limb. Come back brother. Come back. ha ha ha ha….

  27. mulsimah

    December 10, 2008 at 4:06 PM

    hes going to use his middle name in the inaugaration (however u spell it) its on the news.. go to http://www.huffingtonpost.com.. the story about how obamas plans w muslim world. woohoo go obama!

    honestly i dont like the wording ‘muslim tendencies’ its not fair to keep calling him something he isnt. if hes nto muslim. it is fine. accept it now. let him be what he wants to be.

  28. mulsimah

    December 10, 2008 at 4:07 PM

    becuse if we keep saying otherwise it wil be harder for him. he will be afraid to help the muslim community bc people will tell him u lied to us u are muslim (which he isnt) lets help him do his work, not make it harder for him.

  29. Mehdi

    December 10, 2008 at 5:51 PM

    Assalamualaikum,

    Why are you so exicted about this anyways?

    Obama is a Christian. His Chief of Staff is Pro-Israeli and even served in the Israeli Army. He is an ardent supporter of AIPAC. He is first and foremost a POLITICIAN. He doesn’t give a rats behind about Muslims or Islaam.

    Parrotting his middle name is merely wishful thinking. Whats the difference between this type of thinking and the thinking of the right wingers who didn’t vote for him because they thought he was muslim? I think we are letting our emotions cloud our judgment.

    Obama is a Kaafir and at the end of the day he still works for his corporate overlords.

  30. ibnabeeomar

    December 10, 2008 at 5:53 PM

    @Muslimah, Mehdi, Jawed, et al.

    Please refer to my previous comment.

    I’m really puzzled why people are taking this (obvious) joke so seriously?

  31. Mehdi

    December 10, 2008 at 6:09 PM

    Ibnabeeomar,

    While this may be a joke to you, there are Muslims (as evident by the comment section) and in society in general that are involved in that type of thinking. And particualrly, you should stop referring to Obama as Mr. Hussein as that only enforced the idea that he is a “friend” of the Muslims.

    Clearly while you think this is a joke, its no joking matter at all.

  32. ibnabeeomar

    December 10, 2008 at 6:16 PM

    Mehdi – did you realize the original post was a joke or did you think it was serious? im not asking about other muslims and all that, just the original post itself.

  33. h. ahmed

    December 10, 2008 at 8:45 PM

    Wow… so much obama hating.

    For the record, since Obama has been elected – he has not shied away about being Muslim-friendly.

    He has stated that he wants to give a pro-Muslim talk at a major Muslim city early during his presidency, and help restore America’s image in the Muslim world

    He also wants to be sworn in by his full name Barack HUSSEIN Obama. (he has pretty much avoided his middle name throughout the campaign).

    … if only he could grow a beard… (joke!!!)

  34. mulsimah

    December 11, 2008 at 10:55 PM

    salaam

    h.ahmed. I just wrote all that;) no has not shied away but he will if we dont stop insisting that hes muslim!!!!!!!!

  35. Ar-Raheeq

    December 14, 2008 at 11:46 AM

    Ya ibnabeeomar

    You’d beat CNN, FOX and other Media agencies in hyping things up!!! ;)

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