A popular preacher in Turkey stated in a TV show that men owed an obligation to other men to grow beard lest they cause others to sin by looking like women.

Murat Bayaral speaking on the TV show Fatih Medreseleri said that the beard being one of the only two things that distinguish men from women, is an essential feature for any man and that those without it could be causing a problem for otherwise pure-hearted men.

He said; ‘Men should grow beards. One of the two body parts that separate men from women is the beard,’ according to Hurriyet Daily News.

‘For example, if you see a man with long hair from afar you may think he is a woman if he does not have a beard. Because nowadays women and men dress similarly.

‘God forbid! You could be possessed by indecent thoughts.’