Circumcision for men

All Praise be to Allaah.
  To the dear inquirer:

We appreciate the question you have submitted,
as it is an issue which is truly among those which may pose a hindrance in some
cases for those who wish to adopt Islaam.

In reality the issue is really simpler
than many may think.  Male circumcision is among the rites of Islaam and
is part of the fitrah, or the innate disposition and natural character
and instinct of the human creation, and is from the religion of Ibrahim (peace
be upon him).  Allaah has said (interpretation of the meaning): “Then
we revealed to you (the command) to follow the pure and uncorrupted religion
of Ibrahim.” 

The Prophet 
(peace be upon him) said: 

“The Prophet Ibrahim (peace be
upon him) was circumcisized when he was eighty years old.” (Al-Bukhari,
Vol 6/p. 388, Al-Salfiyya printing).

Male circumcision is obligatory for the
Muslim male if he is able to do it.  If, however, he is unable, whether
due to fear of injury or if a respected and authoritative doctor has told him
he will experience profuse bleeding which may make his life miserable, then
the obligation for cirumcision is waived and he does not commit a sin by not
having it done.

It is not permissible under any circumstance
for the issue to become a hindrance for a person wanting to accept Islaam. 
The validity of one’s acceptance of Islaam is not dependent on his performance
of circumcision and it is valid for one to adopt Islaam even if he has not had
himself circumcized.

Regarding the issue of female circumcision,
please refer to question # 328.

I ask Allaah to bring you success in all
that is good and to protect you from all that is evil, and may the peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon our Prophet Muhammad 
.