If you are considering circumcision for your newborn, you might be curious about some reasons that drive many parents to choose this procedure for their child. Muslim men, like men of Jewish and even selective Orthodox Christian faith, are circumcised out of religious requirements for both hygienic and health reasons. Circumcision is a traditional part of the Islamic faith, and is seen as a necessity to “fitrah”, which is translated as the natural cleanliness of man. Getting circumcised is held in the same category as other required hygiene practices, including shaving pubic hair, keeping a moustache trimmed and nails short, and removing armpit hair. These are all routine behaviors that are seen as integral to a Muslim man’s worship and a follower of Islam, and just one of the many steps to achieve proper and acceptable cleanliness.

Followers of Islam are urged to circumcise all Muslim newborns before they are seven days old, but the procedure can be done as late as the age of seven. Choosing when to circumcise a newborn is largely based on the health of the child at the time, and when the doctors feel comfortable allowing the procedure. Newborn circumcisions are believed to be easier on both the child and the practitioner- the child still has a high tolerance for pain, and is resilient in recovering from injury. Unlike adults, who consume a variety of processed foods and sugary drinks, a newborn is most likely drinking his mother’s milk exclusively at the time of circumcision, and the urine is uncontaminated and natural.

Muslims believe that removing the foreskin is an integral part in keeping necessary hygiene, and view circumcision as another safeguard against infections and body odor that may come from an uncircumcised penis. Because cleanliness is so important to a Muslim male, cleaning a circumcised penis is seen as easier and less prone to incorrect washing. They also believe in the medical benefit of circumcisions, including fewer sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as syphilis and HIV/AIDS, reduced risk of penile cancer, and the possible prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Muslims also believe that sexual intercourse is cleaner and more pleasurable with a circumcised penis- since the most sensitive part of the penis is located at the head, maintaining an erection would be easier and less painful with an exposed head.

Even though a religion or culture mandates the practice circumcision, it does not make the decision any more pleasant for most parents. Many are intimidated by the thought of complications, pain and trauma inflicted on their newborn. You should always feel comfortable discussing your concerns with your physician, ideally before the birth of your child, so that you are able to make an informed decision when the time comes to give birth.

Posted in Circumcision

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