Circumcision in Islam and other Religions

First of all, we try to learn about circumcision, what is the definition of circumcision? After that, we will discuss the importance of circumcision in Islam or other religions and its historical background, we will try to consider the religious, medical and cultural aspects in it for men and women.

Definition of Circumcision:

Circumcision is a surgical procedure in which the foreskin of a specific part of the male or female genitalia is cut or removed. The procedure is performed for various religious, cultural, and medical reasons. The nature and purpose of circumcision varies for men and women, and its significance depends on religious, medical, and social considerations.

Historical background of circumcision:

The tradition of circumcision in ancient Egypt

Circumcision was a very important practice in ancient Egyptian civilization and is considered one of the oldest recorded surgical practices in the world. The practice existed in Egyptian civilization around 2400 BC, and evidence of it is found in archaeological artifacts, art, and writings.

Evidence and historical references:

1. Impressions and Art Evidence:

Impressions in the Tomb of Saqqara:

Impressions have been discovered in an ancient tomb (Ankh-mahor) in the Saqqara region of Egypt, which depict the act of circumcision. These impressions date back to around 2400 BC and show two men performing a circumcision.

Explanation:

These impressions show the importance of circumcision according to the religious or medical principles of the time. These impressions depict circumcision as an act of physical cleansing and spiritual purification.

2. Hieroglyphics:

Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics describe circumcision as a sacred act near puberty.

The Egyptians considered circumcision a rite that brought a person closer to the gods.

Reasons for Circumcision:

1. Religious Reasons:

In ancient Egypt, circumcision was considered essential for spiritual purity and service to the gods.

The practice was often required of priests and religious leaders to remain pure for their services.

2. Medical Reasons:

Circumcision was considered important for cleanliness and health, especially to prevent infection in hot weather.

3. Social Status:

Circumcision was seen as a sacred rite as well as a sign of puberty in Egyptian society.

Modern Research:

Researchers' consensus:

Historians and archaeologists say that circumcision was performed in ancient Egypt not only for religious but also for medical benefits.

Books and References:

1. "The History of Circumcision" by David L. Gollaher:

This book contains a detailed discussion of the history of circumcision and its importance in ancient Egypt.

2. "Circumcision: A History of the World's Most Controversial Surgery"

This book provides references to ancient Egyptian inscriptions and writings, which prove the tradition of circumcision.

Abstract:

Circumcision in ancient Egypt was not only a religious rite but also considered essential for physical cleanliness and health. The Saqqara inscriptions and Egyptian hieroglyphic inscriptions are evidence that circumcision was an ancient and sacred practice, which was important for the appeasement of the gods and social purity. This tradition later spread to other religions and cultures, which continues in various forms to this day.

concept of circumcision in different religions

 1. Circumcision in Judaism

Circumcision is an important religious duty in Judaism and is called "Brit Milah", which means "circumcision of the covenant." In Jewish belief, circumcision is a symbol of the covenant between God and the Israelites, which has been in place since the time of Abraham. The practice is performed in accordance with Jewish traditions, scriptures, and religious commandments and is a fundamental element of Jewish identity.

The Importance of Circumcision in Judaism

1. Symbol of God's Covenant:

Circumcision is a sign of a special relationship and covenant with God for Jews. It is a reminder of the promise that God made to Abraham and his descendants.

2. Religious Obligation:

According to the Torah, circumcision is one of the fundamental commandments of the Jewish religion and it is mandatory for every Jewish parent to circumcise their son.

3. Purity and Obedience:

Circumcision is considered a symbol of purity, obedience to God, and adherence to Jewish tradition in the Jewish religion.

Circumcision Rituals (Brit Milah)

1. Time:

Circumcision is performed on the eighth day after birth, whether that day is Saturday or another holy day, because it is a commandment from God.

2. Mohel:

The person performing the circumcision, called a "mohel," is religiously and surgically trained.

3. Religious Ceremony:

Circumcision is celebrated as a religious ceremony, attended by family, friends, and religious leaders. The baby is also named at this time.

4. Prayer:

Special prayers and words are said during the circumcision to renew the covenant with God.

Consequences of Uncircumcision

In Judaism, uncircumcision is considered a breach of covenant with God. It is strictly forbidden in the Torah:

> "Any uncircumcised male child shall be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant."

(Genesis 17:14)

Medical and social significance

Medical benefits of Circumcision

Judaism considers circumcision important not only for religious but also for physical cleanliness and health.

Social identity:

Circumcision is a means for Jews to maintain their religious and national identity, especially in times when Jews had to struggle for their identity in different societies.

Differences and the Modern Era

Reform Judaism:

Reform Jews do not place much importance on circumcision and sometimes even abandon it, but it is still required in Orthodox and Conservative Judaism.

Summary

Circumcision in Judaism is a symbol of the covenant between God and the Israelites, which dates back to the time of Abraham. In Judaism, circumcision is considered an essential rite of purity, obedience, and religious commitment. It is not only a religious commandment but also an important means of maintaining Jewish identity and tradition.

2. Circumcision in Christianity 

The concept of circumcision in Christianity has varied over time, from historical, religious, and social perspectives. Since Christianity originated in Judaism, early Christians considered circumcision to be important in accordance with Jewish tradition. However, over time, the religious status of the practice changed.

1. Circumcision in Early Christianity

The early Christians were mostly Jews and therefore circumcision was a religious duty for them, as in Judaism.

According to Jewish tradition, circumcision was considered a sign of the covenant with God since the time of Abraham, and this concept was also present among the early Christians.

Circumcision became a topic of debate in the early period of Christianity, especially with regard to the non-Jewish early Christians.

2. The Teachings of the Apostle Paul on Circumcision

The Apostle Paul (Saint Paul) presented a new view on circumcision. He argued that there was no need for physical circumcision in Christianity because under Christianity, the "Circumcision of the Heart" (Circumcision of the Heart) is important, which is a symbol of faith and spiritual purity.

Paul's statement in the Bible:

> "Circumcision means nothing, nor uncircumcision. The important thing is obedience to the commandments of God."

(1 Corinthians 7:19)

After this view of Paul, the requirement of circumcision for non-Jewish Christians was abolished.

3. Circumcision and Christian Councils

Council of Jerusalem:

In the early days of Christianity, the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15) decided that circumcision would not be required of non-Jewish Christians.

After this decision, circumcision became an optional practice for Jewish Christians, while it was declared unnecessary for non-Jewish Christians.

4. Modern Concept of Circumcision in Christianity

Roman Catholic and Protestant Schools:

Most Christian schools of thought do not consider circumcision to be a religious duty, but rather a medical or cultural practice.

Eastern Orthodox Christianity:

Circumcision does not have religious significance in the Eastern Orthodox Church either, but it may be culturally practiced in some regions.

Medical and Cultural Effects:

Circumcision has been adopted in Western countries, such as the United States, for its medical benefits, but is not considered a religious practice.

Summary

In Christianity, circumcision was made a symbol of spiritual purity and faith rather than a physical act. For early Christians, circumcision was important because of Jewish traditions, but the teachings of the Apostle Paul and the decisions of the Council of Jerusalem made it an unnecessary practice. Today, circumcision in Christianity is mostly performed for medical or cultural purposes, but it has no religious status.

3. Circumcision in Islam

In Islam, circumcision is included in the principles of nature and is considered a means of purity and cleanliness.

Sunnah-e-Ibrahimi:

Circumcision is the Sunnah of Prophet Abraham, who circumcised himself in obedience to Allah’s command.

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

> "The circumcision of Ibrahim was when he was eighty years old, and he did it with an axe."

(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 3356; Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2370)

References in the Bible

According to the Bible, Abraham circumcised himself and all the males of his household at the command of Allah:

> "On that very day Abraham was circumcised, and his son Ishmael, and all the males of his household, whether born in his household or foreigner, were circumcised."

(Genesis 17:23-27)

Islamic view on circumcision:

According to Islamic teachings, circumcision is not only a religious duty but also has many health benefits. It is mostly performed as soon as possible after birth or before puberty.

Summary

Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) underwent circumcision with great humility and obedience to the command of Allah, which is a symbol of his great sacrifice and obedience. In Islamic traditions, this act is considered one of the acts of nature of previous prophets.

concept of Circumcision in other religions

Circumcision is practiced in various religions and cultures, but the reasons for it vary depending on religious, cultural or medical aspects.

1. Hinduism:

There is no religious mandate for circumcision in Hinduism, and the practice is not commonly practiced.

If circumcision is found in a Hindu community, it is mostly due to medical or social implications.

2. Buddhism:

There is no religious concept of circumcision in Buddhism.

Buddhism does not emphasize personal freedom and physical activity, so the practice is not common among Buddhists.

3. African tribes:

Circumcision is a traditional and cultural practice in many African tribes, which is performed as a sign of puberty and as part of the training of manhood.

Example: Circumcision is an important part of the puberty rituals of men among the Zulu and Maasai tribes of Kenya.

4. Tribal religions and traditions:

Various tribes, such as the Australian Aborigines and some tribes in South America, consider circumcision to be a sacred rite.

The practice is often performed to demonstrate spiritual purity or social status.

5. Korea and Japan:

Circumcision is not a religious or cultural tradition in these countries, but in modern times it is occasionally performed for medical reasons.

6. Filipino traditions:

In some indigenous religions in the Philippines, circumcision is a sign of puberty.

It is called "tuli" and is considered a sign of physical cleanliness and social acceptance.

Summary

In other religions, circumcision is often performed for cultural, traditional, or medical reasons rather than religious necessity. In many places, it is a sign of puberty, cleanliness, or social status, but in Hinduism, Buddhism, and East Asian religions, it has no specific religious significance.

Male and Female Circumcision: In the Light of Islam and Modern Science

After knowing the historical, religious and cultural status of circumcision, we will now discuss what the status of circumcision is for men and women from an Islamic perspective and what Islam is telling us about it and what its medical or sexual benefits are.

In Islam, circumcision is considered a part of cleanliness, purity, and natural requirements. There are hadiths about circumcision of both males and females, which clarify important aspects of the procedure.

1. Male Circumcision

Male circumcision is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah in Islam and is included in the acts of nature.

Hadith:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

“Five things are included in nature: circumcision, removing pubic hair, removing armpit hair, cutting nails, and trimming the moustache.”

(Sahih Bukhari: 5891, Sahih Muslim: 257)

The wisdom of male circumcision is to fulfill the commands of Allah along with cleanliness, health, and purity.

2. Female circumcision

There are hadiths about female circumcision, but its status is not obligatory like male circumcision, but rather recommended.

Hadith:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

"Perform circumcision (female circumcision), but do not go too far, for it beautifies the face and makes it more desirable for the husband."

(Sunan Abu Dawud, Sha'b al-Iman, al-Bayhaqi: 629)

According to the jurists, female circumcision involves a minor trimming of the sensitive part of the organ and it is forbidden to go beyond the limits.

The position of the jurists

1. Male circumcision:

According to all schools of jurisprudence, male circumcision is a confirmed Sunnah and some have declared it obligatory.

2. Female circumcision:

It is declared recommended in Hanafi and Maliki jurisprudence.

It is declared obligatory in Shafi'i and Hanbali jurisprudence, but there are different opinions on this.

Medical and Sexual Benefits of Circumcision

Medical benefits of Circumcision

1. Hygiene and Germ Prevention:

Circumcision makes hygiene easier, and reduces the risk of infection.

2. Protection from Urinary Tract Infections:

Circumcision reduces the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

3. Protection from Sexually Transmitted Diseases:

Circumcision reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV and herpes.

4. Protection from Penile Cancer:

Circumcision reduces the risk of penile cancer in men.

5. Healthy Adult Life:

Circumcision protects men from certain medical problems that occur with aging, such as phimosis.

Sexual Benefits of Circumcision

1. Easier sexual hygiene:

After circumcision, hygiene becomes more effective during sexual intercourse.

2. Spouse safety:

Circumcised men have a lower risk of cervical cancer in their spouses.

3. Convenience in sexual intercourse:

Circumcised men have fewer skin problems during sexual intercourse, such as skin irritation.

4. Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases:

Circumcision helps reduce the transmission of viruses and bacteria during sexual intercourse.

Summary of Circumcision

Circumcision is an important religious, medical and moral practice, which is a Sunnah and part of nature for men, while it is recommended for women, but moderation and gentleness are emphasized in it. This practice is not only a means of purity, cleanliness and health, but also proves beneficial for physical and sexual health. According to the teachings of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), circumcision is a sign of moral beauty and physical cleanliness, but it is important to avoid harm or excess in it.