Khatna

Khatna — male circumcision — is a deeply rooted and widely practiced tradition in Islam and in many cultures around the world. It involves the removal of the foreskin from the penis of a male child. Khatna upholds key Islamic values of health, hygiene, and personal purity. It follows the sunnah (tradition) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who encouraged this practice as an act of both physical and spiritual purification.

For Muslim families, Khatna is an expression of faith, love, and care for the child. It is performed so that the child grows up with an awareness of personal cleanliness, a connection to the Prophet’s example, and a place within the broader Muslim community (ummah). It is also widely recognized in modern medical literature for promoting lifelong hygiene and preventive health.

Why is Khatna Performed?

Muslims regard Khatna as:

• A sunnah mu’akkadah (highly recommended tradition) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

• A way to uphold personal cleanliness and hygiene, benefiting both health and spiritual practice

• A natural and beneficial practice recognized by modern medical communities for its role in reducing certain health risks and promoting genital hygiene

• A symbol of joining the ummah — the worldwide community of Muslims

• A tradition that fosters faith, identity, and continuity within the Dawoodi Bohra community

In Islam, cleanliness (taharat) is considered an essential part of faith — a concept that includes the body, heart, and soul. Khatna reflects this ideal, helping boys grow up with an ingrained sense of personal hygiene and spiritual mindfulness.

When performed thoughtfully and with care, Khatna is an act of love and responsibility by parents — ensuring that their child is physically cared for and spiritually welcomed into a life of faith and well-being.

When & Where is Khatna Performed?

In Dawoodi Bohra families, Khatna is typically performed in infancy or soon after birth — most commonly within the first few weeks or months of the baby’s life.

This timing reflects the community’s value of mercy and compassion for the child:

• Infants heal faster

• They are too young to retain memory of pain

• It allows the child to be welcomed early into the faith and community

Today, Khatna is performed:

• In a clinical or hospital setting

• By a qualified medical professional

• Using modern hygiene, pain management, and aftercare protocols

Parents are encouraged to prioritize safe and gentle care, in keeping with the Prophet’s example of compassion toward children.

How is Khatna Arranged in Ontario?

In Ontario, families typically arrange for Khatna through:

• Family physicians who provide infant circumcision

• Specialized circumcision clinics that offer culturally sensitive care (several are available across the GTA and Ontario)

• Pediatric urologists (in hospital settings, if medically required)

Many families also consult with other community members or their family doctor to locate an experienced provider.

It is generally advised to schedule the procedure early (often before 2–3 months of age), as many providers specialize in infant circumcision — older children may require hospital referral.

Aftercare: What Parents Can Expect

Disclaimer: The following information is provided for general awareness only. It is not medical advice. Parents should always follow the specific instructions of their chosen doctor or clinic, and consult their medical provider if any concerns arise.

After the procedure, parents can typically expect:

• Minor swelling and redness for a few days

• Possible small amounts of spotting or clear/yellow discharge as healing begins

• The baby may be a little fussy or sensitive for 1–2 days

Basic aftercare often includes:

• Applying a healing ointment (such as petroleum jelly) as directed

• Keeping the area clean and dry, with frequent diaper changes

• Cleaning gently with warm water (no soaps during early healing)

• Giving infant pain relief (if recommended) by your provider

Typical healing time:

• Most infants heal fully within 7–10 days

• Swelling and sensitivity gradually subside

• Parents should contact their doctor if there is excessive swelling, fever, bleeding, or other concerning symptoms

The Ceremony and Family Gathering

Though Khatna is performed when the child is very young, Dawoodi Bohra families often mark the occasion with a joyful family gathering to celebrate this first spiritual milestone.

Traditionally, this may include:

• A dua for the child’s health, faith, and future

• A small gathering of family and close friends

• Sharing of sweets and light refreshments

• Simple gifts for the baby to commemorate the occasion

The event is an opportunity for families to express gratitude to Allah (SWT) and to welcome the child more fully into the community.

For Dawoodi Bohra families, Khatna is a practice of both faith and care — one that reflects the Prophet’s Sunnah, promotes lifelong cleanliness and well-being, and welcomes the child into the Muslim ummah. It is a simple but profound way to honor the Islamic principle that cleanliness is part of faith, while also ensuring the child’s health and spiritual connection from the earliest stages of life. By performing Khatna with thoughtfulness and love, families uphold a tradition that binds them to generations of faithful Muslims — caring for the body as a trust from Allah, and nurturing in the child an early awareness of taharat, dignity, and devotion.