Ruling on holding a celebration on the occasion of a circumcision
Question

                Is it permissible to hold a celebration on the occasion of a circumcision – as is the custom in the Maghreb? Does this come under the heading of Sunnah or innovation?
Praise be to Allah.
	There is nothing wrong with giving a feast on the occasion of 
	the circumcision of a baby boy, as an expression of joy and happiness, and 
	acknowledging the blessing and bounty of Allah, may He be exalted.

	Ibn Qudaamah (may Allah have mercy on him) said in al-Mughni 
	(7/286):

	The ruling on inviting people – other than for a wedding 
	feast – such as on the occasion of a circumcision and other invitations is 
	that it is mustahabb (encouraged), because of what it involves of feeding 
	people, and accepting such an invitation is mustahabb, but not obligatory.

	This is the view of Maalik and ash-Shaafa‘i, and of Abu 
	Haneefah and his companions.

	Accepting the invitation of everyone who invites one is 
	mustahabb, because it gladdens the heart of the one who issues the 
	invitation and makes him happy. (Imam) Ahmad was invited to a circumcision 
	feast, and he accepted the invitation and ate the food that was offered.

	With regard to the one who offers this feast and invites 
	people, there is no particular virtue in doing so, because there are no 
	Islamic texts to that effect. Rather it comes under the heading of 
	invitations for no particular purpose. If the one who does that intends 
	thereby to show gratitude for the blessing that Allah has bestowed upon him, 
	and to offer food to his brethren, and give food, then he will have the 
	reward for that, in sha Allah. End quote.

	The scholars of the Standing Committee said: 
	

	Expressing joy and happiness on the occasion of a 
	circumcision is something that is required according to Islamic teaching, 
	because circumcision is something that is prescribed in Islam. Allah, may He 
	be glorified, says (interpretation of the meaning):

	“Say: ‘In the 
	Bounty of Allah, and in His Mercy (i.e. Islam and the Quran); -therein let 
	them rejoice.’ That is better than what (the wealth) they amass”

	[Yoonus 10:58].

	Circumcision comes under the heading of the bounty and mercy 
	of Allah, and there is nothing wrong with making food on this occasion, as 
	an expression of gratitude to Allah for that.

	End quote from Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa’imah (5/142)

	For more information, please see also the answers to 
	questions no. 14624 and 20015

	And Allah knows best.