it should be clear that wearing or not wearing beard does not affect the validity of one’s Hajj or `Umrah as long as one observes the rites of Hajj and `Umrah properly.

However, before making this blessed journey one should have sincere intention when doing good deeds. The same applies when observing the great sunnah or growing beard. Elaborating on this issue, we’d like to cite for you the following statement by Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and an Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada: “Growing a beard is considered a great Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be on him). It is also one of the great legacies inherited from all of the previous prophets and messengers of Allah. The Prophet (peace be on him) ordered us: “Grow your beards and trim or clip the moustaches and try to be different from the Magians (who shave their beards).” In light of such precedents, most of the past scholars and Imams go as far as declaring that growing a beard is obligatory on males.
What we stated above makes it clear that no Muslim should take the issue of the beard lightly. At the same time, we must also state categorically that one should not conclude from what has been said earlier that growing a beard in Islam has the same religious significance as that of the other prescribed rituals. This is definitely not the case. Thus it is important for us to recognize that we are not allowed to ostracize men who do not have beards nor are we to question their basic faith.
Since beard is undoubtedly a great Sunnah, every Muslim male should try to practice this Sunnah according to the best of his ability. Also, there is no justification for someone shaving his beard on the premise that it does not grow appropriately or attractively. He should grow it as well as he can, and he should also try to maintain it in a tidy manner. Allah does not take us to task for what is beyond our power or ability. We are told to fear Allah as best as we can.” Finally, we ask Allah Almighty to grant all pilgrims Hajj Mabrur (the one accepted by Allah) and happiness in this worldly life and in the Hereafter.

Almighty Allah knows best.