🧒 Raising children (tarbiyah) · #25

When is the best time to circumcise a boy, and what is the ruling?

According to the Shafi'i school, circumcision is obligatory for males and must be done before puberty; the timing is flexible, and many doctors advise doing it in infancy or early childhood.
The Prophet ﷺ named circumcision as the first of five practices of the fitrah (Sahih al-Bukhari 5889), and it has been practised since the Prophet Ibrahim (Sahih al-Bukhari 3356). The Shariah does not fix a particular age; in Malaysia some are circumcised as babies in hospital, others wait for the school holidays at around seven to ten years old. What matters is that it is done by a qualified medical practitioner, with good hygiene and pain management. Prepare the child emotionally: explain the procedure honestly, and do not frighten him or make it a joke. Group circumcision events organised by mosques or charities can help families with limited means. See Children.

Difference between schools. The Hanafi and Maliki schools hold that circumcision for males is a strongly recommended sunnah, not an obligation.

Sources

Sahih al-Bukhari 5889Sahih al-Bukhari 3356Surah an-Nahl 16:123

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This answer is general reference, not a fatwa. For your situation, consult the religious affairs office, a Syarie lawyer or your state Syariah Court.

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