Is Circumcision Obligatory for Women? – Detailed Shar‘i Ruling and Evidences

Source: Fatawa Arkan al-Islam

Summary of the Ruling​

• For Men: Circumcision is obligatory (wājib).
• For Women: Circumcision is Sunnah (recommended), not obligatory.

Reason for the Difference​

For Men:​

• Circumcision is directly connected to a condition of prayer — purity from impurity.
• If the foreskin remains, drops of urine may get trapped, causing:
  
  • Irritation or infection.
  • Impurity exiting during movement, leading to najasah.

For Women:​

• The main benefit is a reduction in sexual desire.
• It is a matter of completion and honour, not a necessity whose absence causes harm.

Condition for Obligation​

• If circumcision carries the risk of death or serious illness, it is no longer obligatory, in line with the Shar‘i principle that obligations drop when they cause harm or danger.

Evidences for Men’s Obligation​

① Clear Command in Hadith

• The Prophet ﷺ ordered new Muslims to perform circumcision.
• A command (amr) in usul al-fiqh indicates obligation.
  (Musnad Ahmad 3/415)

② Sign of Distinction Between Muslims and Non-Muslims

• Circumcision was a distinguishing mark between Muslims and Christians.
• In battles, martyrs were identified through circumcision.
• Since distinguishing from disbelievers is obligatory, circumcision becomes obligatory.

Prophetic Statement:
((مَنْ تَشَبَّهَ بِقَوْمٍ فَهُوَ مِنْهُمْ)) (Abu Dawud 4031)


“Whoever imitates a people is from among them.”


③ Cutting the Body is Normally Prohibited

• Cutting any body part is prohibited unless done for a Shar‘i obligation — which makes it permissible.

④ Circumcision of Orphan Boys

• Guardians spend from the orphan’s wealth to arrange circumcision.
• If it were not obligatory, this would be considered unlawful interference with the orphan’s body and wealth.

Opinions on Women’s Circumcision​

• Scholars hold differing views.
• The strongest opinion: It is obligatory for men only, not for women.
• A weak hadith states:
  ((اَلْخِتَانُ سُنَّةٌ لِلرِّجَالِ، وَمَكْرُمَةٌ لِلنِّسَاءِ)) (Musnad Ahmad 5/75)

“Circumcision is Sunnah for men and an honour for women.”

• If authentic, this would decisively support the ruling.

Final Ruling:

• Men: Obligatory.
• Women: Sunnah (recommended for completion, not a requirement).

ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب