Khatnah (circumcision)

It is Sunnnah to perform khatnah for a small child. This rule may also apply to adults in a like manner. It is true that it is Haraam to look at the private part of an adult. And generally when Khatnah is performed for a person, it will necessitate looking at his private part. But despite this, the Shari'ah has given permission to look at the private parts and perform the Khatnah because Khatnah is not just a Sunnah. It is a شعار (symbol) of Islam which is of the same level as a Waajib (obligatory).

[English version of "Khatnah (circoncision)" – Al Jamiat – Vol.3 No.13]