Do Muslims get circumcised?

In a Nutshell: Circumcision (known as khitanin Arabic) is a highly recommended practice within Islam and nearly universal among Muslim men. It stems from the tradition of the Prophet (pbuh) and is seen as an act of purification, hygiene and a sign of belonging to the Islamic faith. While there are different scholarly opinions on its exact legal status, ranging from strongly recommended to obligatory, its benefits are widely recognized throughout the Islamic world. Table of Contents Introduction Evidences Do Muslims Get Circumcised? Common Misconceptions About Circumcision in Islam FAQs About Circumcision in Islam Conclusion Introduction Circumcision, the surgical removal of the foreskin of the male penis, is a practice with roots in various religions and cultures worldwide. Within Islam, it holds a significant position, tracing its origins back to the Prophet Abraham (as). Muslims view circumcision as a continuation of this Abrahamic tradition and its practice is deeply interwoven with Islamic concepts of ritual purity, hygiene and identity. Evidences The significance of circumcision in Islam is supported by a wealth of textual sources and scholarly interpretations. Let's examine these: Quranic Verses And remember when his Lord tested Abraham with certain words and he fulfilled them. (Quran 2:124) - This verse refers to God (swt) commanding Abraham (as) to undergo circumcision. Then We revealed to you: 'Follow the religion of Abraham, the upright in faith.' (Quran 16:123) - Muslims are instructed to follow the way of Abraham (as), which includes circumcision. So set your face steadily towards the true faith, the upright nature in which Allah originated humankind. There is no changing Allah's creation - that is the upright religion; but most people do not know. (Quran 30:30) - This verse speaks of the natural inclination towards Islam (fitrah), which some scholars suggest includes a predisposition to practices like circumcision. And [mention] when Moses said to his people, O my people, remember the favor of Allah upon you when He appointed among you prophets and made you kings and gave you that which He had not given anyone among the worlds. (Quran 5:20) - Although not explicitly mentioning circumcision, this verse mentions favors bestowed upon the Children of Israel, some traditions suggest this included circumcision due to their descent from Abraham (as). Hadith Abu Hurairah (ra) narrated: The Prophet (pbuh) said: 'Five things are from the fitrah (natural inclination): circumcision, removing the pubic hair, trimming the mustache, clipping the nails and plucking the armpit hairs.' (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim) Aisha (ra) reported: The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: Ten are the acts according to fitrah: clipping the mustache, letting the beard grow, using the tooth-stick, snuffing water in the nose, cutting the nails, washing the finger joints, plucking the hair under the armpits, shaving the pubic hair and cleaning one's private parts with water. The narrator said: I have forgotten the tenth, but it may have been rinsing the mouth. (Sahih Muslim) It is reported on the authority of Ibn 'Abbas (ra) that the Prophet (pbuh) said about a man who had been circumcised after becoming a Muslim: Circumcise him but do not cut too deeply, for that is more pleasurable for the woman. (Sunan Abu Dawud) Statements of the Sahaba Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (ra), a renowned companion, considered circumcision to be a fitrah, underscoring its intrinsic nature within Islam. Ali ibn Abi Talib (ra), the Prophet's cousin and son-in-law, deemed circumcision as an established Sunnah (prophetic practice). Views of Scholars Islamic jurisprudence comprises four main schools of thought: Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i and Hanbali. While there are some variations in opinion, most scholars consider circumcision as: Shafi'i and Hanbali: Obligatory (wajib) for males. Hanafi: Strongly recommended (sunnah mu'akkadah) for males. Maliki: Recommended for males and a sign of honor for females. Do Muslims Get Circumcised? The evidences presented demonstrate that circumcision carries significant weight within Islam. Scholars emphasize its connection to the Abrahamic legacy, its alignment with the natural disposition (fitrah) and its numerous hygienic benefits. While some legal differences exist among schools of thought, circumcision remains a near-universal practice among Muslim men, viewed as highly virtuous, if not obligatory. The prophetic narrations directly link circumcision to a series of actions considered intrinsic to human nature. Moreover, its inclusion alongside essential hygiene practices underscores its importance in maintaining cleanliness and bodily purity. While the Quran does not explicitly command circumcision, the verses and scholarly interpretations point to its deeply-rooted significance within the Islamic tradition. Common Misconceptions Circumcision is mandatory for all Muslims. While a majority of scholars hold circumcision to be highly recommended or obligatory for men, its legal status varies slightly across schools of thought. Circumcision is solely for hygiene. While hygiene is a major benefit, circumcision in Islam is primarily a religious act connected to faith and the tradition of the prophets. Female circumcision is obligatory in Islam. Female circumcision as practiced in some cultures is often harmful and has no basis in Islamic teachings. Circumcision is a recent Islamic innovation. Circumcision has roots in Abrahamic traditions and was practiced by the Prophet (pbuh) and his companions. Circumcision has no medical benefits. While not the primary reason for circumcision within Islam, modern medical science acknowledges potential health benefits associated with the practice. FAQs About Circumcision in Islam What is the ideal age for circumcision? There is no fixed age in Islamic texts. Medical professionals often recommend performing it earlier but it remains permissible throughout one's life. Can adults convert to Islam without undergoing circumcision? While encouraged, circumcision is not a pre-requisite for conversion to Islam. Can someone become an Imam or lead prayers if they are not circumcised? Most scholars agree that one can still lead prayers and fulfill the duties of an Imam. Are there alternatives to circumcision in Islam? There are no accepted religious alternatives to circumcision for men. How does Islam view female circumcision? All forms of female circumcision that cause harm are strictly prohibited in Islam. Conclusion Circumcision holds profound significance within Islam, rooted in the legacy of the prophets, principles of faith and concepts of purity. While nuanced scholarly discussions exist regarding its exact legal status, its widespread practice and numerous benefits solidify its importance for Muslim men.