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Season for circumcision
09 Dec 2014 — 'Khatan' is the term for male circumcision carried out as an Islamic rite. It is considered by some as a sign of belonging or introduction to the wider Islamic community. Islamic sources do not fix a particular time for circumcision. It depends on family, region and country. A majority of ulama, however, take the view that parents should get their child circumcised before the age of 10. The preferred age is usually seven although some Muslims are circumcised as early as on the seventh day after birth and as late as at the commencement of puberty. The Malaysian Insider photographer Afif Abd Halim records a mass circumcision held at a mosque in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.
A boy peeping through the door to check out a circumcision room. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, December 10, 2014.
Children gathered and being briefed before their circumcision. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, December 10, 2014.
Children with their parents praying before the circumcision ceremony. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, December 10, 2014.
The boys tying their sarong before the circumcision ceremony. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, December 10, 2014.
Children taking painkillers before entering the circumcision room. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, December 10, 2014.
Medical assistants preparing the equipment used for circumcision. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, December 10, 2014.
Boys tying their sarong with the help of their mothers before the circumcision. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, December 10, 2014.
A mother smiling as she looks at her son playing with a smartphone to calm himself. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, December 10, 2014.
A general view of the circumcision room at a mosque in Bangsar. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, December 10, 2014.
A father is seen comforting his son during the circumcision. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, December 10, 2014.
A father holding his son's hands son during the circumcision. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, December 10, 2014.
A boy crying after being circumcised. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, December 10, 2014.
A boy lying next to medical equipment used for circumcision. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, December 10, 2014.
A boy being comforted by his friends during the circumcision process. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, December 10, 2014.
A father is seen comforting his son during circumcision. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, December 10, 2014.
A boy waiting to be circumcised at a mosque in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, December 10, 2014.
A boy in a sarong with his mother after being circumcised at a mosque in Bangsar. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, December 10, 2014.
Boys in their sarong after the circumcision. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, December 10, 2014.
A mother helping her son with the sarong after the circumcision. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, December 10, 2014.
Boys resting after the circumcision. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, December 10, 2014.
A boy being comforted by his father as a friend looks on after the circumcision. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, December 10, 2014.
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