بِسْمِ ٱللّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
What is the ruling about an adult male who embraces Islam, must he undergo circumcision?
Circumcision is Sunnat and the proof of Islam. It differentiates Muslims from non-Muslims; hence it is called Musalmaani (sign of a Muslim) in some areas of the world. Imaam Badrudeen Aini (Allah be pleased with him) states, “Like the Kalima Shareef, circumcision is also from the signs of Islam. Muslims and non-Muslims are distinguished by it.”
(Umdatul Qaari Sharah Bukhari, Kitaabul Libaas, Baabu Qassish Shaarib, Vol. 22, pg. 45)
Once a man came to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and embraced Islam. Rasoolullah (peace be upon him) then commanded him, “Remove the hair from the period of Kufr (disbelief) and then undergo Khatnaa (circumsicion).”
(Abu Dawood, Kitaabut Tahaarah, Baabur Rajl Yaslimu, Vol. 1, pg. 52)
If the adult male doesn’t have the physical strength to endure the circumcision, the command of doing so falls away.
If he possesses the strength of undergoing this procedure, then he should do so. However, if he is able to complete the circumcision himself or has a spouse that can do so for him then he should do it himself or get his wife to do it. Generally speaking, however, this is not the case. The third option prevalent in our society today is for a doctor or a person who knows the procedure of circumcision to do it for him. Exposing the Satr-e-Aurat (area of the body which is prohibited to be shown) for this purpose is not prohibited.
Allama Haskafi (Allah be pleased with him) states, “In the case of need and only until need can a doctor look at the area of illness (even though it may be Aurat). Until need will be defined by examination. This is also the case of a midwife or a person who performs circumcision.”
(Durre Mukhtaar, Kitaabul Hazr wal Ibaaha, Baabun Nazr wal Mass, Vol. 2, pg. 242)
Allama Shaami (Allah be pleased with him) states, “Circumcision is Sunnat and from the Fitrah (natural) acts which are not appropriate to be abandoned.” (Concise from Raddul Muhtaar)
Allama Kaasaani (Allah be pleased with him) states, “There is nothing incorrect if a person looks at the private area of another male to circumcise him or treat him with medicine after the procedure of circumcision.” (Badaaius Sanaa’I, Vol. 5, pg. 123)
Aala Hazrat Imaam Ahmed Raza Khan (Allah be pleased with him) also conforms to this opinion of the illustrious preceding Fuqahaa (jurists) from the Hanafi Mazhab.
(Fataawa Razvia, Vol. 22, pg. 593; Fataawa Africa)
Allah and His Rasool know best.
Darul Iftaa
Islamic Lifestyle Solutions
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