But he failed, and now he must live a life in obedience to Allah, without the assurance that he will ever see Paradise.
While Major Hassan is awaiting trial he has grown a beard, which is against Army regulations, and has been ordered to shave. The problem is that Major is auguring before the court that the beard is a requirement of his Muslim faith. Is it? And why is this so important an issue for Major Hassan now, as he served without a beard throughout his military career? The answer is below.
Major Hassan's mandate as a Muslim terrorist.
SHAKIR: When your Lord revealed to the angels: I am with you, therefore make firm those who believe. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them. Surah 008:012
The reason for the mandate.
PICKTHAL: That is because they opposed Allah and His messenger. Whoso opposeth Allah and His messenger, (for him) lo! Allah is severe in punishment. Surah 008:013
The reward for martyrdom.
SHAKIR: Therefore let those fight in the way of Allah, who sell this world's life for the hereafter; and whoever fights in the way of Allah, then be he slain or be he victorious, We shall grant him a mighty reward. Surah 004:074
Why a Muslim should fight and cause terror.
SHAKIR: And what reason have you that you should not fight in the way of Allah and of the weak among the men and the women and the children, (of) those who say: Our Lord! cause us to go forth from this town, whose people are oppressors, and give us from Thee a guardian and give us from Thee a helper. Surah 004.075
Major Hassan's dilemma .
Once Major Hassan failed to become a martyr, he now has no choice but to follow the mandate of Allah as given through his Messenger Muhammad, which are included in the Qur'an.
In Islam there is a doctrine or teaching called "The Doctrine of Living Obedience" One example of this doctrine is fasting, another example is the growing of a beard. The requirement for the beard is not found in the Qur'an. Muhammad had a beard, so the faithful Muslim must also have a beard.