Why is circumcision required in Islam?
Circumcision in Islam is viewed as an important practice, although the specifics can vary between Sunni and Shia interpretations. The act is generally seen as a continuation of the tradition of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and is considered a sign of the covenant with God.
In the Sunni tradition, it is discussed as part of the fitrah, which refers to natural practices that align with innate human disposition. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: Five things are part of the fitrah: clipping the moustache, plucking the underarm hair, trimming the nails, shaving the pubic hair, and circumcision.
Sunan an-Nasa'i 1:10. This narration indicates that circumcision is part of the natural state that Muslims are encouraged to maintain.
From the Shia perspective, circumcision is also emphasized, and various narrations highlight its significance. For instance, Amir al-Mu'minin (peace be upon him) said, When a man embraces Islam, he must be circumcised even if he has reached eighty years old.
Al-Kafi 1:142. This indicates that the practice is not only a matter of health or hygiene but also a religious obligation that reinforces one's identity as a Muslim.
Both traditions regard circumcision as a Sunnah, a practice that is highly recommended and reflects submission to God's commandments. Overall, circumcision is seen as a means of purification and adherence to the religious customs established by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the earlier prophets.
Sources
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Sunan an-Nasa'i 1:10
Sunan an-Nasa'i · Book 1, Hadith 10 · Narrated by Abu Huraira
The Messenger of Allah said, 'Five things are part of the fitrah: clipping the moustache, plucking the underarm hair, trimming the nails, shaving the pubic hair, and circumcision.'
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Al-Kafi 1:142
Al-Kafi · Book 1, Hadith 142
The Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family) never said about anything that it was other than it. — OR — The woman is excused for wiping the head by wiping the front part with three fingers without removing her veil. — OR — Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him) said to Husayn As-Sahhaf, "O Husayn, God never manifests blessings upon a servant except people's hostility increases sharply against him. Whoever bears their hostility patiently and attends to their affairs, God increases His blessings upon him in their sight. But whoever is not patient with them and does not attend to their affairs, God removes that blessing from him." — OR — On the verse of Allah, the Exalted and Glorious: 'Protect yourselves and your families from a Fire,' I asked: 'How do we purify our families?' He said: 'You enjoin them and forbid them.' — OR — Amir al-Mu'minin (peace be upon him) said, 'When a man embraces Islam, he must be circumcised even if he has reached eighty years old.' — OR — I asked Abu al-Hasan (peace be upon him): I bought land adjacent to my farm for two thousand dirhams. After paying off the payment, I was informed that the land is an endowment. He said: It is not permissible to buy endowment property, nor should you include the produce in your wealth; give the produce to those for whose benefit it is endowed. I said: I do not know who has authority over it. He said: Give the produce in charity. — OR — Everything was water, and His Throne was on the water. Then Allah, Glorious is His mention, commanded the water, which flared up into fire. Then He commanded the fire, and it was extinguished. Smoke rose from its quenching, and Allah, Glorious and Exalted, created the heavens from that smoke and created the earth from the ashes. Then water, fire, and wind disputed. Water said: I am the greatest of Allah’s soldiers. Fire said: I am the greatest of Allah’s soldiers. Wind said: I am the greatest of Allah’s soldiers. Allah, Glorious and Exalted, revealed to the wind: You are My greatest soldier.
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