What is the ruling on trimming the beard?

All religious texts command the growing of the beard and leaving it in its natural state without trimming or shaping, as stated in the hadith: "Let your beards grow, distinguish yourselves from the polytheists," and "Lengthen your beards, distinguish yourselves from the Magi."

Therefore, shaving the beard is forbidden. Some scholars have permitted taking from what exceeds a fistful, based on the actions of Ibn Umar and Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with them). However, it is preferable to leave it as it is, unless it is extremely long or wide to the point of disfiguring one's appearance, in which case some have permitted trimming it to restore moderation.

As for the common practice of "grooming" the beard today, it contradicts the Prophet's (peace be upon him) command to let it grow and hang freely.