Circumcision 101: A Resource for People Who Don’t Want to Get Circumcised

South Korea, the United States, Canada — men from many countries around the world who are not Muslim also widely practice circumcision. Circumcision is not limited to Islam; it is also part of the culture and way of life in many societies worldwide, for reasons of health, cleanliness, and religious belief. This article will help you understand circumcision from a broader perspective, pointing out the benefits and key information you should know, so you can make a confident decision that suits you.

What is circumcision?

Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin covering the tip of the male genitals, a method practiced widely around the world. It matters for hygiene — circumcision helps solve key problems such as the buildup of dirt or bacteria under the foreskin, which can cause inflammation or infection.

In addition, circumcision also helps reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections and makes it easier to maintain cleanliness in daily life. It is therefore considered a health practice accepted by people around the world across many cultures and religions.

Why do non-Muslims around the world commonly choose circumcision?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the health benefits of male circumcision, particularly in reducing the risk of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections. Circumcision can reduce the chance of HIV infection in men who have sex with women by up to 60%. It also helps reduce the risk of HPV infection, which is a cause of cervical cancer in women.

Circumcision from a global perspective

Men in developed countries such as the United States, Australia, South Korea, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom — more than 70% — widely favor circumcision, especially among groups who place importance on health and disease prevention. Circumcision is a minor surgical procedure with the purpose of removing the foreskin covering the tip of the male genitals, a practice found across many cultures and religions — not only in Islam, but also in Judaism, some denominations of Christianity, and in countries that promote hygiene and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections. Circumcision is not only related to religion but is also part of health care that is widely accepted internationally.

Benefits of circumcision

Circumcision has advantages that benefit both the individual and their spouse, such as:

• Benefit to the spouse: Circumcision helps reduce the risk of transmitting infections such as HPV, which is linked to cervical cancer in women, and helps build confidence in the relationship
• Reduces the risk of infection: Helps reduce the risk of urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted infections such as HIV
• Increases cleanliness: Removing the foreskin makes cleaning easier, reducing the buildup of dirt and bacteria

Circumcision not only promotes personal hygiene but also reflects care for a spouse’s health and helps build a strong foundation for married life.

How is circumcision like a gift to women?

Circumcision helps protect married life through sexual health

Circumcision not only helps a man feel more confident in himself, but also builds confidence for his spouse. Circumcision helps reduce the risk of transmitting infections such as HPV, which is linked to cervical cancer in women. It also helps promote cleanliness and good hygiene in married life.

Circumcision: An expression of love and care

The decision to be circumcised is like a gift that expresses love and care for the health and happiness of a spouse. Circumcision reflects the intent to take care of oneself and build a strong and stable family. It is considered a symbol of responsibility and dedication in a married life full of understanding.

After-midnight matters: how does circumcision affect physical intimacy?

Male circumcision affects the sexual satisfaction of both the man and the woman in several ways, as follows:

1. Increases stamina during intercourse: Circumcision may reduce the sensitivity of the tip of the penis, allowing the man to have better control over ejaculation. Research published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that circumcised men have greater ability to control ejaculation, which results in a longer duration of intercourse.

2. Increases the woman’s satisfaction: Circumcision allows the head of the penis to make more contact with the partner’s skin during intercourse. This increased contact helps heighten sensation and better stimulate key areas for the woman. A study in BJU International found that women whose partners were circumcised reported greater sexual satisfaction.

3. Reduces the woman’s risk of irritation: Circumcision helps reduce the buildup of bacteria and dirt under the foreskin, which can be a cause of irritation or infection in a female partner. A study in The New England Journal of Medicine found that circumcision helps reduce the risk of HPV infection, which is a cause of cervical cancer in women.

4. Builds confidence between partners: Having genitals that are clean and neat helps increase a man’s self-confidence, which has a positive psychological effect on sexual expression, and creates a sense of confidence and safety for a female partner. A study in Archives of Sexual Behavior found that body confidence is associated with higher sexual satisfaction.

Summary: Male circumcision has a positive effect on the sexual satisfaction of both men and women, helping increase stamina, reduce health problems, and build confidence in the sexual relationship.

Does circumcision hurt? How many days to heal?

Modern-day circumcision doesn’t hurt anymore

With today’s medical technology, circumcision has developed into a procedure that is quick and causes minimal pain. Even young children can easily take part, using local anesthesia to numb the area being operated on during the procedure. Doctors also use modern instruments, such as clamping devices, to increase precision, reduce risk, and reduce tissue damage. You don’t need to worry about pain, because current techniques make circumcision easier than you might think.

Recovery time and self-care after circumcision

After circumcision, the recovery period usually takes only 1-2 weeks. In the beginning, there may be slight discomfort, but you can return to your daily routine within a few days. With advanced surgical techniques, such as stitching with dissolvable material and the use of laser, swelling is reduced and the healing process is sped up. In addition, if you follow the doctor’s advice, such as keeping the area clean and avoiding strenuous exercise, you will recover quickly with no long-term problems.

Summary: Circumcision today is a safe procedure with little pain and quick recovery. New technology helps ensure that circumcision is no longer a difficult matter.

How many circumcision methods are there today? Which one is most comfortable?

There are now 3 safe and modern circumcision methods to choose from! Each method is designed to be easy and cause little pain. Let’s look at how each method works:

1. Circumcision with a special device (bloodless circumcision)

This is the easiest and fastest method! This special device can cut and stop bleeding at the same time, so no stitches are needed at all. It also causes very little pain and heals quickly.

2. Laser circumcision

If you want to try the most modern method, laser helps cut the foreskin precisely, with very little bleeding, and the wound looks neat. It also recovers quickly.

3. Conventional circumcision

This method has been used for a long time, using ordinary instruments to cut and electrocautery to stop bleeding. Although it takes longer than other methods, it is still safe and remains popular in many places.

Circumcision is obligatory for Muslim men

Circumcision in Islam is an obligation for Muslim men that reflects cleanliness, faith, and adherence to religious practice, with the goal of maintaining hygiene and preventing the buildup of dirt. Circumcision is considered an important religious duty (Fard or Wajib in some madhabs) that must be carried out from a young age. Boys in the Muslim world often begin to be circumcised at a young age, such as from infancy up to 10 years old, depending on the customs of each community. This practice not only promotes hygiene but is also considered a symbol of preparing to enter a way of life in line with the teachings of Islam from a young age and throughout life.

How does circumcision according to Islamic principles differ from ordinary circumcision?

Circumcision in Islam has the important goal of fully exposing the head of the penis, so that it can be cleaned completely — particularly in the context of religious practices such as prayer and maintaining hygiene in daily life — and reducing the buildup of bacteria and dirt that may remain in the area of the foreskin, reducing the risk of infections such as HPV, which is a factor linked to cervical cancer in women.

The appropriate form of circumcision according to Islamic principles

There are currently 4 forms of circumcision: minimal, partial, loose, and tight. But for Islamic principles, the most appropriate and consistent form is:

Tight circumcision

• Why it is appropriate:
  1. The head of the penis is fully exposed in every situation, making it possible to clean completely and easily
  2. Reduces the risk of buildup of dirt, bacteria, and residue that could interfere with religious practice, such as prayer
  3. Helps prevent health problems such as infection, and increases safety for the female spouse

Loose circumcision

• Why it is acceptable:
  • The head is exposed when flaccid and erect, and although there is some wrinkled skin, cleanliness can still be maintained sufficiently according to religious principles

Summary

Tight circumcision is the best form and most closely follows Islamic principles, because it allows for complete cleanliness and is consistent with the purpose of circumcision in Islam.

Islamic marriage — must circumcision happen before the wedding only?

Circumcision is not a component of nikah, but is an Islamic principle asking Muslim men to keep their own bodies clean and to protect women from risk during sex, by taking care to keep the body clean at all times. However, circumcision is not a component or a condition of marriage (see more on the conditions of nikah), so a man may choose to be circumcised before or after marriage. However, it should be done as soon as possible after entering Islam, because it affects other religious practices.

Even though, in theory, circumcision is not a component or condition of marriage, circumcision is often used as a way for a man to show his sincerity in converting to Islam and in caring for a Muslim woman, since within family life the man’s role is to lead the family and take responsibility for protecting the woman physically, emotionally, and economically, in place of her father. To reassure guardians that someone who is not yet Muslim has genuine intent, circumcision is sometimes used as proof of sincerity in certain societies and cultures.

At ARAYA Nikah, the officiant conducting the ceremony does not involve himself in whether, or when, the couple using the service gets circumcised, since circumcision is not a condition of nikah. However, the company still encourages a man entering Islam to be circumcised when ready and as soon as possible, because this is like a gift to the woman and to the children who will be born.

Where to get circumcised — private hospitals that ARAYA Nikah recommends as knowledgeable and in line with Islamic principles

• Update pending

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