Islamic Rulings for New Born Babies >> 5. Circumcision

/ Special Features / By

Islamic Rulings for New Born Babies

5. Circumcision

Circumcision is the excision of the foreskin of the penis of the male. It was ordained by Allah for His prophet Ibraheem (AS) and thus is an obligatory action for all Muslims:

Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said,

“Ibraheem was the first man to host his guests. He was also the first man to be circumcised – at the age of eighty. And he was circumcised with an axe.” [1]

Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said,

“There are five qualities of fitrah: circumcision, shaving the pubic hair, trimming the moustache, clipping the nails, and plucking the armpit hair.” [2]

Aishah (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said,

“There are ten qualities of fitrah: trimming the moustache, sparing the beard, siwak (brushing the teeth), inhaling water (to clean the nose) and rinsing the mouth, clipping the nails, washing the finger knuckles, plucking the armpit hair, shaving the pubic hair, washing the private parts with water, and circumcision.” [3]

The Prophet (SAW) commanded new Muslims who had embraced Islam, to get themselves circumcised:

Kulayb al-Juhani (RA) reported that he came to the Prophet (SAW) and told him that he had embraced Islam. The Prophet (SAW) then commanded him,

“Shave off the hair of kufr, and get circumcised.” [4]

Circumcision may be performed on, before or after the seventh day depending on the child’s health, and parental convenience.

Female circumcision is a voluntary action recommended for women with excessive labial growth:

Anas (RA) reported that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said to a woman in al-Madinah who circumcised women,

“When you trim the skin surrounding the clitoris do it slightly and not excessively. This will bring beauty to the woman’s face and please her husband.” [5]

References

[1] Recorded by Ibn Asakir.  Verified to be authentic by al-Albani (as-Sahihah no. 725).

[2] Recorded by al-Bukhari, Muslim and others.

[3] Combined report recorded by Muslim, Abu Dawud, Ahmad, Ibn Abi Shaybah and others (Sahih al Jami’ no. 2222).

[4] Recorded by Abu Dawud, Ahmad.  Verified to be hasan by al-Albani (Sahih ul-Jami’ no. 1251 and Irwa ul-Ghalil no. 79).

[5] Recorded by al-Hakim, at-Tabarani (in al-Awsat) and others, from Anas (RA) and others.  Verified to be authentic by al-Albani (as-Sahihah no. 722).