Let me first introduce myself, my name is Mohammed Tariq and I am from Hyderabad, India. I have recently graduated and Al-Hamdu Lillah, I am a doctor now and in the near future I am planning to move to U.K. Now my questions are: 1) Is it permissible to wear a lower garment that covers the ankle? 2) How long should a persons beard be? I have spoken to a few knowledgeable persons about these questions and now I am convinced that it is obligatory to wear short lower garment that does not cover ones ankles. At present I have a very short beard, but I personally have a desire to have a bigger beard. I tried to implement both these things, but my family was bitterly opposed to this, their main concern is that if I do so, it would be very difficult for me to get a job as a doctor in England. And my brother and many others say and feel that it looks ugly when a person wears short pants. Now is it correct for me, not to implement these things to pursue a better career in U.K? My father says that it is important that I first become a good specialist and earn a good place in the society, as this way I will be able to serve Islam much better, therefore its important that I go to England and become a good specialist. Faced with such arguments, I really don't know what is the correct thing I should do now! Please do help me find the correct path, I don't want to please myself and my family at expense of alienating Allah!

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

Wearing trousers below the ankles is forbidden for the saying of the Prophet : “The part of an Izar (trousers, loincloth - that goes down the body until the ankles) which hangs below the ankles is in Fire.” [Al-Bukhari]

As regards the beard, it is compulsory on every Muslim to grow his beard without cutting it. The Prophet said: “...grow your beards...”

There is no Islamic evidence that limits the length of the beard. It is confirmed that the Prophet’s beard used to cover his chest.

Besides, Ibn ‘Umar was reported to cut his beard in ‘Umrah and Hajj but only what exceeds a handful.

You should know, dear brother, that your adherence to Islam and to its teachings is the best and successful way to get the respect of the people and to achieve what you and your family are longing for in this life and in the next life. Allaah Alone grants success, and all the affairs are in His Hands, who is the Al-Qawiyy (The Most Strong), The Al-‘Azeez (The Mighty and The Honorable), the Only Owner of what exists in the heavens and the earth.

Allaah made piety as a means of success as He made sins and disobedience a cause of deprivation. Allaah Says (what means): {And fear Allaah that you may succeed.} [Quran 2:189]

The Prophet said: “Privation of livelihood should not incite one to seek it through disobeying Allaah since what is in the Hands of Allaah cannot be achieved but by obeying Him." [Abu Na'eem in his book al-Hilyah, and Shaykh Al-Albaani classified it as authentic].

In another Hadeeth, the Prophet said: “A man is prevented from sustenance due to a sin that he has committed.” [Ahmad, Ibn Maajah; Al-Arnaout and Al-Albaani graded it as Hassan].

Therefore, dear Brother, you should be keen on adhering to the religion and soon you will see the benefits. Beware of putting in priority pleasuring people over pleasing Allaah. The Prophet said: “Whoever seeks the pleasure of Allaah by angering people, Allaah will suffice him against the people, and whoever seeks people's contentment by angering Allaah, Allaah will forsake him and leave his matters to the people.” [At-Tirmithi and Al-Albaani]

Allaah Knows best.