Is it necessary to circumcise a new Muslim who is an adult? Someone mentioned that willingly exposing the Satr is Haraam and the circumcision demands that some sees the actual private part and even touches it. What is the ruling in the Shari'ah? Please gi Print
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Circumcising a New Muslim

Q: Ilm-7: Is it necessary to circumcise a new Muslim who is an adult? Someone mentioned that willingly exposing the Satr is Haraam and the circumcision demands that some sees the actual private part and even touches it. What is the ruling in the Shari'ah? Please give us the ruling in the light of the books of jurisprudence because here a Haraam act is needed to fulfill the Sunnah act of circumcision.

Answer: Circumcision is more necessary for the new Muslim than it is for the born Muslim because the Satr of a Muslim is more important. Since circumcision is amongst the hallmarks and specialities of Islaam, it is necessary for the new Muslim to prove his sincerity and steadfastness as a Muslim. It will also assist him in remaining true to Islaam. It is therefore essential for him to have his circumcision done.

The person carrying out the circumcision needs see and touch only that area which is necessary, while the rest of the body remains covered. He should do his best not to see or touch any other area.

Majmoo'ul Fataawaa. states: "A Muslim child will be circumcised as long as he is not of age. However, when he comes of age, he will not be circumcised because concealing his Satr is Fardh, while the circumcision is Sunnah and a Fardh cannot be compromised for a Sunnah. As for a Kaafir who becomes a Muslim. Ulema are unanimous that he will be circumcised because he had been opposing Islaam even as an adult." By having the circumcision done, no sign of opposition to Islaam will remain on him because there have been some Jews who, despite accepting Islaam, refused to give up the teachings of Hadhrat Moosa ALY. They still honoured the Sabbath and regarded "eating camel meat to be Haraam. Islaam did not approve of this behaviour and Allaah revealed the verse: "O you who have Imaan! Enter into Islaam completely.

The circumcision will how ever not be necessary if the new Muslim is so weak that he will not be able to bear it.

Fatawa Rahimiyyah (Vol.1)