What Is the Islamic Ruling on Foreskin Restoration for a Circumcised Muslim Man?


Shafi'i Fiqh

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

What is the Islamic ruling on foreskin restoration for a circumcised Muslim man, and is his prayer valid if the glans becomes fully covered as a result?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.

Reversing circumcision through foreskin restoration is not permissible in Islamic law. The official position of the Shafi‘i School is that, “Circumcision is obligatory for both men and women. It is said that it is sunnah. And it is said that it is obligatory for men and sunnah for women. The relied-upon view is the first.”  [Nawawi, Rawdat al-Talibin]

While scholarly opinions differ on the status of female circumcision, and it is important to note that many Shafi‘i scholars, particularly in non-African regions, do not practice it, male circumcision is clearly regarded as wajib (obligatory). For more context on this topic, please consult this answer.

Ruling on Foreskin Restoration

Reversing circumcision through foreskin restoration is not permissible in Islamic law. This is for two key reasons:

  1. Violation of a Religious Obligation: Reversing circumcision directly opposes what the Shari‘ah has made obligatory for males.
  2. Unlawful Cosmetic Alteration: Under the Shafi‘i school, cosmetic surgery is only permitted in cases of medical necessity or congenital deformity. Altering the body for purely aesthetic or identity-related reasons is not allowed. Please consult this answer for details.

Validity of Prayer

As for the validity of prayer, it does not become invalid simply because the glans is covered, just as the prayer of an uncircumcised person is valid if he embraces Islam and has not yet been circumcised. However, this does not justify the action of foreskin restoration, which remains impermissible.

Nonetheless, if such a procedure has already been done, the person must repent sincerely and seek forgiveness, but his prayer remains valid as long as he fulfills all its integrals and conditions.

Divine Guidance Is the Best Practice

Allah Most High says,

“So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. (Adhere to) the fitra of Allah upon which He has created (all) people…” [Quran, 30:30]

Circumcision is part of this fitra, the natural disposition and sacred way that Allah ordained. The best path is the path of the Prophets and Messengers, particularly our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace), who said,

“Five practices are part of the fitra: circumcision, shaving the pubic hair, clipping the nails, plucking the underarm hair, and trimming the mustache.”  [Bukhari; Muslim]

In summary, foreskin restoration is not permissible in Islam, and the religious and ethical path is to uphold the divinely guided practices, even if countercultural. True honor lies in following the way of Allah and His Messengers.

I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.