Circumcision

Arabic for Circumcision

Process of khitaan: A man's extra foreskin in which the private part is hidden, therefore the foreskin is cut off.

By cutting, it would not bring any defect into the person.

History of Circumcision

Abu Hurayra Narrates, "Five things are fitra: circumcision, shaving pubic hair with a razor, trimming the moustache, paring one's nails and plucking the hair from one's armpits" (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).

Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim also quotes from Muhammad that Prophet Abraham performed his own circumcision at the age of eighty.

Performed by the monotheistic religions.

Prophet's Circumcision

Narrated by Sayyiduna Anas that the Prophet said, “Among the miracles of Allah is that I was born circumcised, and nobody had the opportunity to see my Satr”. (Private parts)

Mentioned by Tabrani, Ibn Asakir, Abu Nuaim. Hafiz Mugalthaya says the chain of this hadith

is Hasan (satisfactory) Abu Nuaim narrates this hadith with a sound

chain on the authority of Ibn Abbas.

Prophet's Circumcision Cotnd

Prophet was born circumcised. Hakim brings a Hadith which is Mutwatir.

Prophet got circumcised when he was Halima Say'diya house. However, report is weak.

Another Hadith, Narrated by Ibn Abbas that the Prophet was born circumcised and the navel area was neatly cut. When Abdul Muttalib seen this he said this son will become a man of lofty status.

Mentioned in Tabaqat ibn Saad Narrators are extremely sound.

Fiqh ruling of Circumcision for boys

Imam Sha'fee – Wajib Imam Abu Hanifa – Sunnah Mu'kada "Circumcision is Sunnah for men, a noble action

for women" (Related by Ahmad & al-Bayhaq)

Fiqh ruling of Circumcision for Girls

Sha'fee – Fardh Hanbali and some Sha'fee scholars – Sunnah Hanafi & Maliki – Nor Wajib nor Sunnah -

The main aim of circumcision is to press down the sexual desire which is usually found more in men.

Why cut it?

Shah Walliullah – Dirt could go inside the foreskin and would be difficult to remove or wash hence Salah will not be accepted.

Doctor's also say by dirt entering can cause infection.

To reduce the carnal desires of a person, if it is not cut the sexual desires are increased.

But to experience complete sexual desire Reduced the sexual desire. That's why it is

more emphasised for men.

Why has Allah given us this command?

It is from the Sha'airul Allah (Signs of Allah) This is Allah's sign on his people. Just the way Kings make a symbol for his

people etc.

What Age?

Different opinions

Straight after puberty – 12 Onwards

Before puberty – 10,11 or 12

Evidence - Ibn Abbas (r.a.) was asked "How old were you when the Prophet (s.A.w.) died?" He replied, "At that time I had been circumcised. At that time people did not circumcise the boys till they attained the age of puberty (Baligh)." (Related by Bukhari)

7 yrs – Because a child is commanded to go to the masjid at that age.

7 days after birth similar time to Aqiqah

Conclusion

Every child is different, some are strong and some are weak. Whenever the child is psychically and psychologically ready then it should be performed.

the earlier the better as the child will not feel or remember anything.

Should it be done 7 days after birth?

Some scholars say no because Jews do it after 8 days. Their process is called Brit Milah

http://www.talktalk.co.uk/reference/encyclopaedia/hutchinson/m0098302.html

Islamically, Ibn Abbas says there are 7 things to do on a child on the 7th day, one of them is circumcision.

Prophet performed the circumcision of Hasnayn on the 7th.

Circumcision of New Muslim?

Try to encourage them. If they are scared, very old or psychologically

not ready then it will be alright. Their Islam will be accepted.

However, They will be encouraged to perform the Istinjaa properly.

Source of Torture to Women

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/day-of-the-girl-a-survivors-journey-after-female-genital-mutilation-8874232.html

Our answer is, even we hold the view it is not necessary for girls.

As Allah says in the Quran: "Allah does not want to place burden on you.

Rather, He wants to purify you and to complete His favours to you so that you may be grateful." (5:7)