Hazrat Madani’s (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) firmness in regard to the mas’ala of the beard

Hazrat Shaikh (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) once mentioned:

Towards the end of his life Hazrat Madani (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) became more strict and firm with regard to the beard. Some of his companions said to me that we notice that your approach is completely different from the approach of Hazrat Madani in regard to the beard. Why was it that Hazrat Madani (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) was so staunch in regard to keeping the beard as though the only thing in Deen to him was the beard? The person objecting to Hazrat Madani’s approach was one of my associates. I responded to him saying: “O ignorant one! My not being so firm in regard to the beard is due to my own weakness. However Hazrat Madani being so firm in regard to this sunnah (i.e. keeping the beard) was a reflection of his perfect Imaan. Remember, for one to reprimand someone due to not adhering to the commandments of Deen is excellent character and not bad character. Not reprimanding someone (for doing something against the sunnah) is a sign of weak Imaan. On the other hand, if in a certain place there is a fear that by reprimanding someone it will cause a commotion or it will lead to the situation getting worse, then that is a separate issue. In that situation one should sincerely make dua for that person. This is also a branch of Imaan. If one turns a blind eye without any valid reason, then this is a sign of hypocrisy. Continue examining yourself whether you are overlooking and favouring your near and dear ones. (Malfoozaate Hazrat Shaikh 1/27)