Washing the beard in wudhu

Q: 

1. I have a big beard. Must I wash it each time I wash my face during wudhu? 

2. Must I wash my sideburns as well? 

A: 

1. Yes, in wudhu, you should wash your beard. If your beard is small and the skin beneath the beard can be seen, then it is compulsory upon you to make the water reach the skin of the face.

However, if the beard is dense and the skin of the face cannot be seen, then washing the external portion of the beard is sufficient. It is not compulsory to wash the inner portion of the beard. 

2. No, you only have to wash your entire face i.e. from the forehead to the chin and from one ear to the other ear. 

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)