Aslam

Praise be to Allah.All Praise be to Allaah.

To the dear inquirer:

We appreciate the question you have submitted,

as it is an issue which is truly among those which may pose a hindrance in some

cases for those who wish to adopt Islaam.

In reality the issue is really simpler

than many may think.  Male circumcision is among the rites of Islaam and

is part of the fitrah, or the innate disposition and natural character

and instinct of the human creation, and is from the religion of Ibrahim (peace

be upon him).  Allaah has said (interpretation of the meaning): "Then

we revealed to you (the command) to follow the pure and uncorrupted religion

of Ibrahim."

The Prophet

(peace be upon him) said:

"The Prophet Ibrahim (peace be

upon him) was circumcisized when he was eighty years old." (Al-Bukhari,

Vol 6/p. 388, Al-Salfiyya printing).

Male circumcision is obligatory for the

Muslim male if he is able to do it.  If, however, he is unable, whether

due to fear of injury or if a respected and authoritative doctor has told him

he will experience profuse bleeding which may make his life miserable, then

the obligation for cirumcision is waived and he does not commit a sin by not

having it done.

It is not permissible under any circumstance

for the issue to become a hindrance for a person wanting to accept Islaam.

The validity of one's acceptance of Islaam is not dependent on his performance

of circumcision and it is valid for one to adopt Islaam even if he has not had

himself circumcized.

Regarding the issue of female circumcision,

please refer to question # 328.

I ask Allaah to bring you success in all

that is good and to protect you from all that is evil, and may the peace and

blessings of Allaah be upon our Prophet Muhammad

.