What is Circumcision? Here are Its Benefits for Males and the Legal Debate for Females

Dream - What is circumcision? For Muslims, circumcision is a familiar term. Circumcision, also known as sunnah, is the process of removing the skin at the tip of the penis.

Usually, circumcision is performed during childhood or while attending primary school. The age is around 6 to 12 years old.

Circumcision is mandatory for males. This obligation distinguishes Muslim males from Christian males.

From a medical perspective, circumcision has many health benefits. Among the benefits of circumcision are preventing sexually transmitted diseases, helping maintain penile health, and preventing urinary tract infections.

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) commanded Muslim males to be circumcised, "Remove the hair of disbelief that is on you and be circumcised." (HR. Abu Daud)

So what is circumcision? To answer that, let's take a look at the following comprehensive review compiled by Dream from various sources.

Understanding and Purpose of Circumcision

What is circumcision? Circumcision comes from the Arabic word "khatnun," which means cutting the front part. The understanding of circumcision is cutting the foreskin or the front skin of the male genitalia. The foreskin is a cover for the head of the penis. The purpose is to allow urine to come out completely without any residue and sticking to the foreskin.

The purpose of circumcision is not only to comply with the commandments of Islam but also to maintain the health of the male genitalia. Additionally, the purpose of circumcision is to facilitate urination and enhance pleasure during intercourse.

The commandment of circumcision apparently dates back to the time before Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It is mentioned in the hadith of Abu Hurairah, the Prophet (SAW) said, "Ibrahim was circumcised at the age of 80, and he was circumcised with Al-Qodum." (HR. Bukhari)

Sheikh Sayyid Sabiq stated that Al-Qodum mentioned in the hadith refers to a tool for cutting wood (axe) or a place name in Syria.

Evidence of the Obligation of Circumcision

As mentioned earlier, circumcision is mandatory for Muslim boys. Circumcision is a teaching that was passed down to Prophet Ibrahim (AS), and Muslims are also commanded to follow it.

"Then We revealed to you (Muhammad), 'Follow the religion of Ibrahim, inclining toward truth; and he was not of the polytheists.'" (QS.An-Nahl: 123)

Then in Surah Al-Hajj verse 78, it is mentioned: "And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty. [It is] the religion of your father, Ibrahim. Allah named you "Muslims" before [in former scriptures] and in this [revelation] that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people. So establish prayer and give zakah and hold fast to Allah. He is your protector; and excellent is the protector, and excellent is the helper."

The obligation of circumcision distinguishes between Muslim and Christian males. In the battlefield, Muslims recognize Muslim males who have been circumcised. This is because Muslims, Arabs before Islam, and Jews practice circumcision, while Christians do not. Because it is used as a distinguishing factor, in Islam, circumcision for boys is obligatory.

Benefits of Circumcision for Males

As mentioned earlier, circumcision is not only done to comply with religious commandments but also for the reproductive health of males.

Quoting from the Mayo Clinic, some benefits of circumcision for males are as follows:

1. To maintain genital hygiene, as circumcision makes it easier for someone to wash and clean their penis.
2. Reducing the risk of urinary tract infections. This infection is more common in uncircumcised men.
3. Reducing the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections. Circumcised men are said to have a lower risk of certain sexually transmitted infections.
4. Preventing health problems in the penis, as the foreskin on an uncircumcised penis can be difficult or impossible to retract (phimosis). This can cause inflammation of the foreskin or the head of the penis.
5. Reducing the risk of penile cancer. Circumcised men are less likely to develop it. Additionally, cervical cancer is less likely to occur in female sexual partners of circumcised men.

Legal Debate on Female Circumcision

So what is the legal status of female circumcision? There are several opinions explaining the legal status of female circumcision. Some say it is obligatory, while others consider it a recommended practice.

According to Sheikh Muhammad bin Sholih Al 'Utsaimin in his book "Asy Syarhul Mumthi'," he said:

"There is a difference in the legal status of circumcision between males and females. Circumcision for males has benefits because it is related to the condition of cleanliness (thoharoh) required for prayer. If the skin to be circumcised is left as it is, urine that comes out of the male genital opening will be trapped and accumulated in that area. This can cause pain or discomfort when moving, and pressing it slightly will cause the urine to come out, making the clothes impure. As for females, the purpose of circumcision is to reduce sexual desire. This is a form of perfection and not to eliminate any disturbance."

The recommendation for female circumcision is still debated among scholars and healthcare professionals. Female circumcision does not provide benefits, and instead, it can have negative effects.

Negative Effects of Female Circumcision

According to Husain Muhammad, as cited from UIN Raden Intan Lampung, female circumcision has negative effects from a sexual perspective as it reduces pleasure.

This is because the clitoris is a sensitive organ for female sexual pleasure, which is responsive to friction and stimulation, leading to increased pleasure during intercourse with a partner. In fact, for some women, circumcision can cause severe psychological trauma.

There is no clear command in the Quran to perform circumcision for females. Likewise, there is no religious command to cut, injure, or remove the female genitalia, especially the clitoris.

The theological basis often used by proponents of female circumcision does not come from the Quran but is only seen in fiqh books, and even those are based on weak hadiths (dha'if).

The Law of Walimatul Khitan

Scholars compare the law of walimatul khitan to the law of walimah for marriage. The walimah for marriage is also the basis for various other walimahs. In the book "Kitab Kifayatul Akhkyar," Sheikh Abu Bakar bin Muhammad Al-Husaini explains:

"The minimum requirement for a walimah for those who can afford it is to slaughter a goat. When the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) married Zainab bint Jahsyin, he slaughtered a goat. But in principle, even a small feast is considered sufficient for a walimah. When the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) married Shafiyyah, he held a walimah with a mixture of wheat flour and dates."

Based on this explanation, organizing walimatul khitan is also important. However, a distinction must be made between a gathering to invite the community, even if only 10 people, and providing a suitable feast, and a luxurious gathering.

It should be noted that a walimatul khitan filled with luxury is not recommended. It would be better to hold a walimatul khitan by inviting the surrounding community, close relatives, and friends. This should be adjusted to the capabilities of each person celebrating it.

Prayer for Walimatul Khitan

Here is a prayer for the circumcision ceremony that can be recited:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي جَعَلَ الْخِتَانَ لِلْمَوَالِيدِ وَالْمَوَالِيدَاتِ فِطْرَةً وَسُنَّةً وَأَمَرَ بِهِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ وَأَمَرَ بِهِ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ وَأَمَرَ بِهِ أُمَّتَهُ وَأَمَرَ بِهِ حَتَّى يَقْتَصَّ كُلُّ مُسْلِمٍ وَمُسْلِمَةٍ. صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَىٰ نَبِيِّنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ نَبِيِّنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَصَحْبِ نَبِيِّنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ سَائِرِ الْأَنْبِيَاءِ وَالْمُرْسَلِينَ وَعَلَىٰ أَمْتِهِمْ وَمَنْ تَبِعَهُمْ بِإِحْسَانٍ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ. بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ الْعَلِيِّ الْعَظِيمِ. بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي لَا يَتَّخِذُ وَلَدًا وَلَا يَكُنْ لَهُ شَرِيكٌ فِي الْمُلْكِ وَلَا يَكُنْ لَهُ وَلِيٌّ مِنَ الذُّلِّ ۖ وَكَبِّرْهُ تَكْبِيرًا."

Meaning: "O Allah, grant us help to obtain virtues and keep us away from lowly acts.

O Allah, accept our circumcision, safeguard our affairs, heal us from this (circumcision) illness, settle our debts, make our aspirations come true, and expand our sustenance with Your generosity, O the Most Giving.

O Allah, grant us safety, as well as those who perform Hajj, those who fight in the cause of Allah, and travelers, all the ummah of Muhammad, whether on land or at sea. Indeed, You have power over whatever You will, O the Best of Masters and the Best of Helpers.

Glory be to Allah, the Lord who is free from all low attributes that the disbelievers associate with Him. And peace be upon the messengers of Allah, and all praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds."