Rethinking Circumcision

 

Rethinking Circumcision 

Does Circumcision Align with Allah's Perfection and Wisdom?

Circumcision, a practice deeply rooted in Islamic tradition and attributed to Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him), is widely observed in Muslim communities. However, its basis is primarily in Hadith and Islamic tradition rather than direct Qur'anic injunctions. This raises essential theological, ethical, and practical questions: Does circumcision align with Allah's perfection in creation? Why is it exclusive to males? And, most crucially, is it a necessary act of obedience?

The Qur'an and Circumcision: No Direct Command

The Qur'an, the ultimate and unaltered word of Allah, does not explicitly mention circumcision as a divine command. While it recounts Prophet Ibrahim’s covenant with Allah, it does not detail circumcision as part of this covenant:

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:124):
“And [mention] when Ibrahim was tried by his Lord with commands and he fulfilled them. [Allah] said, ‘Indeed, I will make you a leader for the people.’’

The lack of direct mention in the Qur'an invites reflection on whether circumcision is an essential component of Islamic practice or a tradition derived from cultural and historical contexts.

Perfection of Allah’s Design

Islam teaches that Allah’s creation is inherently perfect, as affirmed in multiple Qur'anic verses:

Surah As-Sajdah (32:7)
“[He] who created all things in the best way.”

Surah Al-Furqan (25:2)
“And He created everything, and He measured it with precise measurement.”

Surah At-Tin (95:4)
“We have certainly created man in the best of stature.”

These verses emphasize that the human body, as created by Allah, reflects divine wisdom and perfection. The removal of any part of the body, including the foreskin, may appear to challenge this notion of perfection. If Allah’s creation is flawless, why would a covenant involve altering what He designed?

The Ethical Dilemma: Altering Allah’s Creation

The Qur'an and Hadith caution against unnecessary alterations to Allah’s creation:

Surah An-Nisa (4:119):
“And I will mislead them, and I will arouse in them [sinful] desires, and I  (satan ) will command them so they will slit the ears of cattle and change the creation of Allah.”

This verse associates altering Allah’s creation with Shaytan’s (Satan’s) deception. Similarly, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) condemned unnecessary body modifications:

Hadith on Changing Allah’s Creation:
“Allah has cursed those who practice tattooing, those who get tattooed, those who pluck their eyebrows, and those who file their teeth for the purpose of beautification and change the creation of Allah.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 5931)

Circumcision, which involves the removal of the foreskin, is undeniably an alteration. While it is often justified as promoting hygiene, this raises questions about whether it reflects flaws with Allah’s design.

Hygiene and Perfection: Is Circumcision Necessary?

Proponents of circumcision often argue that it promotes hygiene and reduces the risk of certain diseases. However, this reasoning can be interpreted as implying that Allah’s design is insufficient to ensure cleanliness.

Counterargument on Divine Perfection

If Allah created everything in the " best way," as the Qur'an states, then the human body should not require alteration to maintain hygiene. Basic cleanliness practices, such as washing, fulfill personal hygiene requirements without removing any part of the body.

Exclusion of Women: Why Is Circumcision Male-Specific?

Circumcision is exclusively commanded for males in Islamic tradition, with no equivalent requirement for females. This raises questions about the universality of Allah’s covenant:

Why Are Women Excluded?

If circumcision is symbolic of a covenant with Allah, why would women not participate in the same symbolic act? Does this imply that women are excluded from Allah’s covenant, or does it suggest that circumcision is not inherently necessary for obedience?

Equality in Faith:

The Qur'an emphasizes the spiritual equality of men and women:

“Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women... Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward.”
(Surah Al-Ahzab 33:35)

This equality suggests that physical modifications are not required for women—or men—to be spiritually committed to Allah.

Symbolism vs. Necessity: The Covenant Question

Circumcision is often described as a symbolic act of obedience and submission to Allah, rooted in the covenant with Prophet Ibrahim. However, symbols are not inherently necessary for faith or obedience. The Qur'an highlights the ultimate covenant with Allah as being spiritual, not physical:

Surah Al-A'raf (7:172):
“And [mention] when your Lord took from the children of Adam—from their loins—their descendants and made them testify of themselves, [saying to them], ‘Am I not your Lord?’ They said, ‘Yes, we have testified.’”

This covenant, which applies to all humans, does not involve physical acts but a spiritual acknowledgment of Allah’s Lordship.

Ethical and Logical Concerns

Why Command an 80-Year-Old Prophet to Perform Circumcision?

The Hadith mentions that Prophet Ibrahim circumcised himself at the age of eighty (Sahih al-Bukhari, 6298; Sahih Muslim, 2370). This raises questions about the purpose and timing of such a command. Does this act align with divine wisdom, or does it reflect the cultural practices of the time?

The Ethical Implications of Physical Alteration

If circumcision is viewed as a covenantal act, it stands in contrast to Allah’s condemnation of unnecessary bodily harm, such as cutting animals’ ears for superstitious practices.

Circumcision is a Jewish Practice that Muslims inherited 

The Old Testament explicitly mentions circumcision as a covenant between God and Abraham found in the Book of Genesis:

Genesis 17:10-12 (NIV):
“This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised. You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you.( Jew ) For the generations to come, every male among you who is eight days old must be circumcised, including those born in your household or bought with money from a foreigner—those who are not your offspring.”

Conclusion: Rethinking Circumcision

The practice of circumcision, rooted only in Hadith and tradition rather than explicit Qur'anic command, raises profound questions about divine wisdom, the perfection of Allah’s creation, and the necessity of physical alterations for obedience. If the human body is inherently perfect, as the Qur'an affirms, altering it for cleanliness or symbolism challenges the notion of divine perfection. Moreover, the exclusion of women from circumcision underscores the practice’s inconsistency as a universal covenantal sign.

Faithful obedience to Allah is not confined to physical acts but is demonstrated through faith, submission, and adherence to divine guidance. It is worth reflecting on whether circumcision aligns with these principles or reflects historical and cultural interpretations that can be revisited in light of the Qur'an’s emphasis on the perfection of Allah’s creation.

Circumcision: A Jewish Practice Adopted by Muslims

Circumcision has deep historical and religious roots, particularly in Judaism, where it holds a central place as a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham. In Islam, circumcision is also widely practiced and regarded as an important tradition, though it is not explicitly mandated in the Qur'an. This has led to the understanding that the practice was inherited from earlier Jewish traditions, particularly Judaism, and integrated into Islamic practice through its connection to the Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim, peace be upon him).

Circumcision in Judaism: The Covenant with Abraham

Scriptural Basis:
Circumcision is first mentioned in the Torah (Old Testament) as a command from God to Abraham:

Circumcision Covenant with God: A Usually formal, solemn, and binding agreement 

Genesis 17:10-11:
“This is My covenant ( binding agreement ) which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised. And you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you.”

Circumcision is mandatory ( Fard ) for Jews

Significance:
In Judaism, circumcision (brit milah) is a religious obligation performed on the eighth day after birth. It symbolizes the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants, signifying obedience and commitment to divine law.

Circumcision in Islam

Connection to Abraham

In Islam, Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim, peace be upon him) is revered as the patriarch of monotheism and a model of obedience to Allah. Muslims view circumcision as part of his legacy, passed down through the Abrahamic tradition.

Hadith on Abraham’s Circumcision:

“Prophet Ibrahim circumcised himself when he was eighty years old with an adze.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 6298; Sahih Muslim, 2370)

Explanation:
This narration links circumcision to Prophet Abraham, emphasizing its association with his obedience to Allah. However, the Qur'an itself does not explicitly mention circumcision as a divine command.

Circumcision in Islamic Tradition

Circumcision (khitan) is widely regarded as a Sunnah (Prophetic tradition) in Islam, supported by Hadith, and practiced as an act of cleanliness and religious adherence.

Hadith on Natural Practices:

“Five things are part of the fitrah (natural disposition): circumcision, shaving the pubic hair, cutting the nails, plucking the armpit hair, and trimming the mustache.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 5889; Sahih Muslim, 257)

Practical and Hygienic Justifications:
Beyond its religious significance, circumcision is often promoted in Islam for reasons of cleanliness and hygiene, aligning with Islamic principles of physical and spiritual purification (tahara).

Differences Between Jewish and Islamic Practices

Timing

In Judaism, circumcision is strictly performed on the eighth day after birth, except in cases of health issues.

In Islam, there is no fixed timing for circumcision, though it is typically performed in infancy or early childhood. Some traditions even allow it before puberty.

Religious Significance

In Judaism, circumcision is a central religious obligation and a prerequisite for being part of the covenant community.

In Islam, circumcision is considered a strong Sunnah (highly recommended practice)

Historical Adoption by Muslims

The adoption of circumcision by Muslims reflects Islam’s connection to the Abrahamic tradition. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) often emphasized continuity with the practices of previous prophets, particularly Abraham, whose life and legacy are deeply respected in Islamic theology.

Recognition of Earlier Scriptures:
The Qur'an acknowledges previous revelations, such as the Torah, and confirms their origin from Allah:

“Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light.”
(Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:44)

Abraham’s Legacy in Islam:
Muslims consider themselves followers of the faith of Abraham (millat Ibrahim), embracing his devotion and rituals.

Modern Perspectives: Religious Significance

Many Muslims view circumcision as a marker of their faith and adherence to the Prophetic tradition, even though it is not explicitly mandated in the Qur'an.

Cultural Continuity

Circumcision in Islam is deeply ingrained in cultural and religious practices, reflecting its inheritance from Jewish traditions rather than a direct Qur'anic command.

Conclusion

Circumcision originated as a Jewish practice firmly rooted in the covenant between God and Abraham, as described in the Torah. Islam, inheriting Jewish's legacy, adopted circumcision as a tradition and integrated it into its practices. While not explicitly mandated in the Qur'an, circumcision is regarded as a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) 

Alteration of the Body is a Sin 

When it reflects dissatisfaction with Allah’s perfect creation, the Qur'an warns against changing the creation of Allah as part of Shaytan’s deception.

'And I will command them so they will change the creation of Allah.' (Surah An-Nisa 4:119)

This includes unnecessary modifications done for vanity or to defy natural design. Islam emphasizes embracing the body as a sacred trust from Allah, requiring care, preservation, and respect for its natural state."

Examining Circumcision

Arguments on Divine Design, Hadith, and Covenant

The topic of circumcision raises profound theological, ethical, and cultural questions. Supporters often base their arguments on religious texts, traditions, and notions of hygiene. However, skeptics question the implications of circumcision on divine design and the theological justification for altering the human body. Below, we explore arguments challenging circumcision from theological, Qur'anic, and Hadith perspectives, alongside reflections on the covenant with the Jews.

Questioning the Design Argument

The Perfection of Allah’s Creation

The Qur'an emphasizes that Allah’s creation is inherently perfect and purposeful:

(Surah At-Tin 95:4)
“We have certainly created man in the best of stature.”

Explanation:
If humans are created in the "best of stature," why would Allah include an element (foreskin) that is deemed unnecessary or unhygienic by those advocating circumcision? Altering the body through circumcision appears to contradict the notion of divine perfection.

Allah’s Knowledge of Future Needs

As the All-Knowing Creator, Allah should have designed the human body without elements that later required surgical alteration. If the foreskin is truly problematic, critics argue, it challenges the assertion of Allah’s complete foreknowledge.

Circumcision in the Qur'an

Absence of Explicit Command

The Qur'an does not mention circumcision as a requirement for Muslims. This absence is significant, given the Qur'an’s role as humanity's complete and final guidance.

Warnings Against Altering Creation

(Surah An-Nisa 4:119)
“And I will mislead them, and I will arouse in them [sinful] desires, and I will command them so they will slit the ears of cattle and change the creation of Allah.”

Explanation:
This verse warns against altering Allah’s creation. Circumcision, being a physical alteration, can be interpreted as falling under this prohibition. It raises the question: Why would a practice involving bodily alteration be divinely mandated if altering creation is discouraged?

The Hadith on Circumcision

The Hadith Supporting Circumcision

A commonly cited Hadith states:

“Prophet Ibrahim circumcised himself when he was eighty years old.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 6298, Sahih Muslim 2370)

Counter-Argument:
This Hadith describes an individual action by Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) but does not explicitly command it as a requirement for all believers. Moreover, the Qur'an does not confirm this act or establish it as a universal obligation for Muslims.

Reliability and Interpretation of Hadith

Critics argue that Hadiths promoting circumcision could reflect the cultural practices of the Jews rather than divine mandates. The Qur'an warns against following practices not rooted in Allah’s explicit commands:

(Surah Ash-Shura 42:21)
“Do they have partners who have prescribed for them any religion that Allah has not authorized?”

Explanation:
Circumcision, absent in the Qur'an, may not hold the same divine authority as Qur'anic injunctions.

The Covenant with the Jews

The Covenant of Circumcision

The practice of circumcision is explicitly mentioned in the Torah as part of the covenant between Allah and Prophet Abraham (Genesis 17:10-14). In the Jewish tradition, circumcision is a sign of the covenant.

Counter-Argument:
Critics question why a covenant with Allah would involve altering the body. If circumcision symbolizes obedience, why not choose an act of worship or moral behavior instead of physical modification? The Qur'an emphasizes moral conduct as the true sign of faith:

(Surah Al-Hujurat 49:13)
“Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.”

The universality of the Covenant

While circumcision is central to Jewish tradition, its application in Islam is less clear. One would expect explicit Qur'anic mention or guidance if it were a universal requirement.

Ethical and Theological Questions

Consent and Human Rights

Circumcision is often performed on infants who cannot consent. Critics argue this contradicts the principle of bodily autonomy, which is increasingly valued in modern ethical frameworks.

Focus on Spirituality Over Rituals

The Qur'an emphasizes inner piety and righteous actions over physical rituals:

(Surah Al-Hajj 22:37)
“It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him.”

Explanation:
This verse suggests that spiritual sincerity matters more than physical acts, questioning the emphasis on circumcision as a sign of faith.

Hygiene Argument

Supporters often cite hygiene as a justification for circumcision. However, critics argue that:

Modern hygiene practices, such as regular cleaning, render circumcision unnecessary.

Declaring the foreskin as inherently unhygienic implies a flaw in divine design, which contradicts the Qur'an's emphasis on human perfection (95:4).

Conclusion

The absence of an explicit Qur'anic command for circumcision, combined with the emphasis on the perfection of Allah’s creation, raises significant theological questions about the necessity and justification of the practice. While some Hadiths and traditions support circumcision, they may reflect cultural practices rather than divine mandates. For believers, the focus should remain on spiritual devotion, moral behavior, and inner piety, as emphasized throughout the Qur'an. Ultimately, the practice of circumcision warrants thoughtful consideration, balancing religious, ethical, and theological perspectives.

Circumcision Prophet’s Abraham Sunnah

Did Allah make circumcision Fard (mandatory) or Sunnah (Recommended)? Or Is Allah undecided?