Short Answer

Circumcision is highly recommended for baby boys and is a distinguishing feature of Muslim identity. However, if someone never got it done, for whatever reason, then it is recommended if there is no harm expected and the person can tolerate the pain involved. If there is likely to be some harm to the body or the person is afraid of the pain from the operation, it is not required to do so.

What the Qur’an and Sunnah Say

The Prophet said: “The practices related to the natural way (fitrah) are five: circumcision, shaving pubic hair, trimming the moustache, cutting the nails, and removing underarm hair.” (Bukhari #5550)

What the Scholars Said

Imam Al-Haskafi said: “If an old person entered Islam, and (medical) experts were of the view that he won’t be able to bear circumcision, then it should not be carried out” (Ad-Durr Al-Mukhtar)

Imam Anwar Shah Al-Kashmiri said: “I don’t recommend circumcision for those that have reached puberty, as it is very painful and could lead to death”. (Fayd Al-Bari 4:413)

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Shaykh Mustafa Umar