Facts About Male Circumcision In Islam

Male circumcision is one of the most important rites of Islam. It is known as Khitan or Khatna which means removal of the foreskin of the genitals after birth. Though circumcision is a practice in Christian and Jewish communities as well, the practice is widely followed by the Islamic communities throughout the world.

The practice of circumcision has not been specifically mentioned in Quran. According to the oral traditions, Prophet Mohammed was born without a foreskin while others say that his grandfather Abd-al-Muttalib had circumcised him when he was seven days old. Hence, the followers of Prophet circumcised themselves to proclaim their inclusion into the Islamic community.

Circumcision is the part of Fitrah or the five acts of personal cleanliness which includes circumcision, shaving pubic hair, trimming moustache, cutting nails and plucking the hair from one's armpits. Different Islamic schools have different opinions about circumcision. Some have prescribed circumcision as a binding practice for all Muslims while other find it a highly recommended yet a non obligatory practice.

WHY MUSLIM WOMEN OBSERVE PURDAH?

Read on to find out some more interesting facts about male circumcision in Islam.

Shia Traditions
According to the Shia traditions, circumcision is an obligatory practice. Boys have to be circumcised without fail when they are seven days old. It is believed that urine of the uncircumcised is impure and prayers offered with unclean genitals are not accepted by God. If a person becomes a Muslim, he must submit to circumcision even if he is 80 years old.

Time Of Circumcision
The exact time of circumcision depends on the family, region and culture. Usually families prefer to get their boys circumcised before the age of ten or sometimes at birth.

Benefits Of Circumcision
The practice of circumcision has been a matter of debates and criticism for a long time. But circumcision is a beneficial practice in a way because it helps maintain personal hygiene. A few benefits of circumcision are:
Protection against infections caused by the tightening of foreskin, prevention of the infections of urethra, prevents genital cancer and sexually transmitted diseases.

Thus, it is a healthy practice which is followed widely in the Islamic communities. In fact, in some countries circumcision is celebrated with great pomp and show.