the left hand is used to touch the private parts during the ritual bath. Likewise, someone washing an area affected by impurity pours water with the right hand and, if direct contact with the area is needed, uses the left. The evidence of Islamic law and its underlying principles amply supports this. And Allah knows best.

He was asked:
“When should circumcision be performed?”

He replied:
Circumcision may be performed whenever one wishes. However, as a boy approaches puberty, he should be circumcised, as was the practice of the Arabs, so that he reaches puberty already circumcised.

As for circumcision on the seventh day, there are two opinions, both transmitted from Ahmad. One holds that it is not disliked, because Abraham circumcised Isaac on the seventh day. The other holds that it is disliked because it is a Jewish practice, and imitating them is disliked. This is Mālik’s position. And Allah knows best.

He was asked:
“Is it permissible for a sane adult Muslim to fast and pray while he is uncircumcised and has not been purified? What is the ruling concerning someone who forgoes circumcision?”

He replied:
If there is no fear that circumcision will harm him, he must be circumcised, for