Adil Najam
Given all the discussion about cricket and Islam (here), sooner or later we will come to beards and cricket and whether beards of a certain length or style are ‘religiously intimidating’ for some (related story here).
I thought I would pre-empt the discussion by sharing some images of a few ‘great beards’ of cricket. Readers are, of course, welcome to add to the list. You can also look into Joshua Bartlett’s blog to get more information about men’s grooming and the products often used for it.
For that it seems to me that the obvious choice is one of Pakistan’s most graceful batsmen ever (and that is saying something!) Saeed Anwar. He is also generally considered a mentor to many of the more religiously inclined players in the current Pakistan team.
His, however, is not the only set of religiously motivated set of facial hair to adorn cricketing fields. One of my all-time favorite cricketers and all-time favorite famous persons is former Indian Captain Bishen Singh Bedi. His fine-looking facial hair and head-dress – and of many others – were also clearly religiously-motivated and a constant expression of his faith.
By way of disclosure I should add that I occasionally sprout facial hair of my own but am mostly clean-shaven. But as a deep and committed adherent of people’s right of expression (how can a blogger not be that!) I stand committed to defend people’s right to facial hair, whether they are grown for stylistic elegance or religious expression.
The dirtiest and ugliest beard is that of Yusaf Yuhanna. I say why make religion a sign board and try to involve God in the commercial extravaganza of cricket to mar the beauty of the game which was it once with cricketers like Majid Jehangir, Imran, etc..
Sosan!
*smile*. That was not beared. That was pic taken in Makkah during Umrah trip. If you notice I am ganja too. I keep changing pics and has no relation with thos forum. I don’t disrespect beared and I know the importance of respect in Islam. Anyway thanks for such notices :-)
Adnan Siddiqi sahib,
Some time ago,when I read your comments on the ATP and then looked up your blog.I noticed you had a slight beard.Today when i opened it again i noticed you have shaved off your beard.Is it the influence of the discussion you guys had on ”The Great Beard Of Cricket.
Sosan
From all of us with beards, some non-religious, thank you for a nice essay. I love the pictures you have and also the bottom line in the last paragrpah:
“I stand committed to defend people’s right to facial hair, whether they are grown for stylistic elegance or religious expression.”
Seems like the 2nd test v. WI is heading to a draw, so Pak still up by 1.