Questions and Answers

Circumcision of males

Question: I would like to find out about the circumcision of the male and if it is necessary to do circumcision if the foreskin does not cover the head of the penis whether it is relaxed or erected.

Answer: Circumcision for the male in Islam is given so that cleanliness and purity can be maintained. Although there are many hygienic and other benefits in it, one of the main reason that it is encouraged is that proper cleanliness of the organ be maintained, especially when it is connected to cleaning oneself for the performance of prayer, etc. By being circumcised, it ensures that the impurity that comes from the penis does not remain beneath the foreskin, but instead, it is cleaned properly. As such, if the foreskin does not cover the head of the penis when it is relaxed, there is no requirement of doing a circumcision. However, if it covers it in this relaxed state, then one should do a circumcision. Consideration will not be given to the state when the penis is erected.

And Allah knows best.
Mufti Waseem Khan