Q: I became a Muslim a couple of years ago. I am male. Do I need to be circumcised? Is a person excused from it due to being adult?
A: Congratulations on embracing Islam!
Islam is a religion that aligns with fitrah (natural disposition), which emphasizes cleanliness and purity. Circumcision is part of this practice, as highlighted in the following hadith: Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that Rasool (ﷺ) said: Ibrahim (peace be upon him) circumcised himself when he was eighty years old, and he circumcised himself with an axe (a large blade). (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)
Circumcision is an emphasized Sunnah and serves as a symbol of one’s faith. The Shafi and Hanbali schools consider it wajib (Necessary/obligatory), while others like the Hanafi and Maliki schools regard it as a Sunnah Muakkadah (highly emphasized/recommended practice). Thus, from the various schools of thought, one can see its importance.
Rasool (ﷺ) also said: Five are acts of fitrah: circumcision, shaving the pubic hair, trimming the mustache, clipping the nails, and plucking the armpit hair. (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)
As for whether one is excused from circumcision, a mature person is generally not exempt without a valid reason, such as a medical risk or significant harm. A person considering circumcision as an adult has the following options:
- Perform it yourself (this may not recommended unless you have medical or such experience or knowledge).
- Have your wife assist you (provided she is knowledgeable and it does not lead to complications).
- Seek a qualified doctor or medical professional, which is the safest and most advisable approach.
Ultimately, while circumcision is a emphasized Sunnah and an aspect of fitrah, if there are serious health risks, scholars advise that one may be excused. Thus, you also need to seek the advice of a good practicing Muslim doctor. There are medical doctors that are also scholars in sharia, and it may also be best to contact them as well. To neglect doing the circumcision without reason and justification would be a sin. May Allah (SWT) make matters easy for you.
Allah Certainly Knows Best.