Does a male convert to Islam need to get circumcised?

Al-jawab billahi at-taufeeq (the answer with Allah’s guidance)

Circumcision for males is a highly emphasised way of the Messenger of Allah (Sunnah Mu’akkadah) and one of the salient features of Islam (Sha’air).

Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, ‘Five practices are the characteristics of Fitrah (nature); circumsicion, plucking the armpit hairs, shaving the pubic hair, clipping the nails and cutting the moustache short.’ (Bukhari).

Regarding a male who accepts Islam and is above the age of puberty, or a child who was not circumcised for some reason until he reached puberty.

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is reported to have said: “Whoever accepts Islam should have his circumcision performed” (Talkhisal-Habir).

In the light of the above narration, the scholars have said that if there is no fear of harm and the adult male is able to bear circumcision, then it should be carried out.

Also, Circumcision is a form of treatment, and the Fuqaha have given a dispensation in exposing the Awra for treatment and medication.

If the grown up male is not in a position to tolerate or bear the pain of circumcision, or there is fear of harm being inflicted on him, then circumcision can be (and should be) avoided.

Islam is a religion of mercy and orders only that which is within the capacity and capability of an individual. It never commands that which is beyond ones capacity.

Allah Most High says:

“On no soul does Allah place a burden greater than it can bear” (Qur’an, 2:286).

Imam al-Haskafi (RH) states:

“If an old person entered Islam, and (medical) experts were of the view that he won’t be able to bear it, then circumcision should not be carried out” (Durr al-Mukhtar).

Hafiz Ibn Hajr al-Asqalani (RH) says:

“If the child attained puberty, and he is weak to an extent that if circumcision was carried out on him, he will perish, then the necessity of circumcision will no longer remain” (Fath al-Bari, 10/289).

(Also see: Ahsanul Fataawa Vol. 9 Pg. 61,62)

However, it should be remembered here, that he who decides not to be circumcised should regularly clean the area underneath the foreskin of his sex organ because, in Islam cleanliness of the body is obligatory for performing prayers.

And Only Allah Ta’ala Knows Best.

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Moulana Qamruz Zaman
London, UK