Most-asked question
Is circumcision compulsory, and at what age?
52 fatawa in the archive answer questions on this, from 6 South African Darul Iftas (Ask Imaam, Mufti Online, Jamiat KZN, Ibn Masood, Azaadville, MJC). Below, each Darul Ifta’s answer is quoted word for word from the opening of one of its fatawa.
Based on the fatawa linked below. Please read the sources and double-check with a Darul Ifta for your situation.
Consult a mufti for your situation. Fatawa SA is a read-only archive and issues no rulings of its own.
What the Darul Iftas say
“It is permissible for you to undergo re-circumcision surgery. We advise you to follow the counsel of a medical expert.”
“There are various views in regards to when should circumcision be precisely carried out. Some jurists have stated when a child reaches the age of 7, whilst others have stated that on reaching maturity.”
“Shariah encourages circumcision.1 See the following hadith, The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “There are five acts which conform to the pure nature: Circumcision, removing of the pubic hair, clipping the nails, plucking the underarm hair and trimming the moustache.” صحيح مسلم (1/ 221)”
“The practice of circumcision for women is a recommended practice and its benefit has been explained in the Mubaarak Hadith. It should be understood that the benefit which is obtained through any medical procedure is subject to the medical procedure being carried out correctly.”
Quotes are the opening words of each answer as published; the full answer, its conditions and references are on the fatwa page. Answers depend on the exact details of each question.
Read the fatawa
- I understand male circumcision but why women?Ask Imaam · 5 May 2025
- When Circumcision Must Be DoneAzaadville · 19 Aug 2024
- CircumcisionIbn Masood · 10 Jul 2024
- What is the circumcision procedure according to Islam?Jamiat KZN · 18 Apr 2016
- Circumcision for womenMufti Online · 14 Mar 2016
- Circumcision for a New MuslimMJC · 16 Jan 2024
- Re-circumcisionAsk Imaam · 24 Sep 2019
- Aqeeqah and CircumcisionIbn Masood · 13 Jun 2023
- Female genital mutilation or Circumcision?Jamiat KZN · 18 Dec 2018
- Female circumcisionMufti Online · 22 Oct 2015
- Is it halaal for an uncircumcised person to have conjugal relations with his wife?Ask Imaam · 23 Feb 2019
- Circumcision for a Revert?Jamiat KZN · 24 Oct 2013
- Circumcision for a revert adult MuslimMufti Online · 3 May 2026
- Can an uncircumcised boy perform Umrah with his parents?Ask Imaam · 28 Oct 2018
- Is it permissible to do circumcision wirth a laser?Jamiat KZN · 12 Mar 2010
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