Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin, the tissue covering the head of the penis. It is one of the most common procedures in the world and is conducted for religious, cultural and medical reasons. While circumcision is near universal in Islam and Judaism, and prevalent in some Christian denominations, there are also several major religions that do not traditionally circumcise children.
Islam
In Islam, circumcision is considered obligatory for males and recommended for females. It is seen as an important rite of passage and a sign of belonging to the Muslim community. According to Islamic law, circumcision should ideally be performed before puberty, often between the ages of 0 and 13. The practice is endorsed by all major Islamic schools of law and is near universal amongst Muslim communities.
Judaism
Male circumcision is a core requirement of the Jewish faith. Known in Hebrew as brit milah, it is one of the most important Jewish life cycle events and is typically performed on the eighth day after birth. Circumcision is seen as a mark of the covenant between God and the Jewish people, and dates back to biblical times. It is mainly performed by a mohel, a Jewish ritual circumciser. While not as widely practiced, female circumcision (brit milah) also exists in some communities.
Christianity
Circumcision is not a religious requirement in Christianity. However, it is practiced by certain denominations such as the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and the Eritrean Orthodox Church. Some families also choose to circumcise their sons for cultural reasons. Overall though, circumcision is much less prevalent among Christians compared to Jews and Muslims.
Hinduism
Hinduism does not require or encourage circumcision. The faith focuses more on spiritual cleanliness rather than physical cleanliness. In fact, Hindus are often cremated rather than buried as death is seen as a process to become one with god. Therefore, bodily alterations like circumcision have little spiritual significance. Circumcision is rare among Hindus except for some communities where it may be practiced for cultural reasons.
Buddhism
Like Hinduism, Buddhism does not have any scriptural or doctrinal basis for circumcision. The faith prioritizes spiritual development and non-violence. Causing physical harm to achieve cleanliness contradicts core Buddhist beliefs. Therefore, circumcision for religious reasons is essentially non-existent among Buddhist communities.
Sikhism
Sikhism does not require circumcision. The faith teaches that humans are created in God’s image and circumcision contradicts this by altering God’s physical design. Most Sikhs believe the religion places more emphasis on spiritual cleanliness of the mind and soul rather than physical alterations. Hence, circumcision is rarely practiced among Sikhs except for potential medical reasons.
Taoism
Taoism is a Chinese folk religion that advocates living in harmony with the Tao or “way.” Taoist teachings emphasize compassion, moderation and humility rather than rigid rules. The faith focuses on internal spiritual cultivation over external practices. This allows for more personal freedom and does not necessitate religious circumcision. The procedure is rare among most followers of Taoism.
Shinto
Shinto is Japan’s indigenous religion focused on ritual practices and worshipping kami or spirits. Circumcision has never been an obligation in Shinto and there are no scriptural references to it. Shinto purification rituals tend to emphasize cleanliness of mind and morality rather than alteration of the physical body. Therefore, religious circumcision is not a component of Shinto traditions.
Jainism
Non-violence and compassion for all life forms are central to the Jain faith. Jains go to great lengths to avoid harming living beings. Even harmless microorganisms are considered sacred. As circumcision causes avoidable pain and suffering, it would be incompatible with core Jain beliefs. The procedure is rarely if ever practiced among Jains for religious reasons.
Indigenous Religions
Indigenous faiths embrace spiritual traditions and beliefs of native and aboriginal populations. Given the diversity, indigenous religions have no set views on circumcision. Some groups practice adolescent initiation rituals that may involve circumcision. However, there are also taboos around rituals that cause bodily harm. Overall, circumcision is less a religious act and more a cultural practice for certain indigenous communities.
New Religious Movements
Modern new religious movements generally do not require circumcision. These include diverse faiths like Wicca, Scientology, Theosophy, New Age spirituality and so on. Most focus on broader ethical principles, self-improvement and spiritual growth. As these faiths lack the deep historical roots linking circumcision to religious identity, the procedure has little doctrinal significance.
Atheism/Agnosticism
By definition, atheism and agnosticism do not adhere to religious doctrines and practices. Most atheists and agnostics reject circumcision done specifically for religious reasons as medically unnecessary. However, some do allow for circumcision for potential health benefits after careful evaluation of evidence. Overall, non-religious worldviews provide no religious rationale for routine neonatal circumcision.
Conclusion
While widely practiced in Islam, Judaism and some Christian denominations, religious circumcision is not a requirement for most faiths. Major religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Taoism, Shintoism and Jainism do not necessitate circumcision based on scriptural teachings. Most indigenous religions and new religious movements also lack doctrinal basis. With proper education, circumcision when done safely and consensually can still have value for some communities.
| Religion | View on Circumcision |
|---|---|
| Islam | Required |
| Judaism | Required |
| Christianity | Mixed practices |
| Hinduism | Not Required |
| Buddhism | Not Required |
| Sikhism | Not Required |
| Taoism | Not Required |
| Shinto | Not Required |
| Jainism | Not Required |
| Indigenous Religions | Variable Practices |
| New Religious Movements | Not Required |
| Atheism/Agnosticism | Not Required |
Religions That Require Circumcision
The main religions that require circumcision are Islam and Judaism. In both faiths, circumcision is seen as an important sign of belonging to the religious community. It is endorsed by scriptures and religious laws and performed on infants or young boys. Some Christian denominations like Coptic Orthodox also circumcise based on traditions.
Religions That Do Not Require Circumcision
Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Taoism, Shintoism and Jainism do not require religious circumcision. Most indigenous faiths and new religious movements also lack scriptural justification. Non-religious worldviews like atheism and agnosticism provide no basis for routine circumcision of children.
Religions With Mixed Practices
In Christianity, there is diversity of opinion on circumcision. Overall, circumcision is less prevalent among Christians compared to Jews and Muslims. However, some denominations like the Eastern Orthodox churches do ritually circumcise while others have no official doctrines.
Cultural Circumcision
In certain communities, circumcision continues mainly for cultural reasons even when not religiously mandated. This includes Muslim communities in North and West Africa, aboriginal tribes in Australia, Polynesia and Melanesia and non-Muslim groups in South Korea, the Philippines and some African nations.
Medical Circumcision
Outside religious and cultural contexts, circumcision may be done for potential medical benefits like reduced risk of urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases. However, health organizations note that advantages versus risks are still debatable, and do not recommend routine neonatal circumcision.
FAQ on Religious Circumcision
Do Hindus circumcise?
No, Hinduism does not require or promote circumcision. There is no religious or scriptural significance to the practice. Circumcision is very rare among Hindu communities.
Do Buddhists get circumcised?
No, Buddhism rejects alteration of the physical body for spiritual reasons. The faith also promotes non-violence, hence circumcision is not practiced by Buddhists for religious purposes.
Do Sikhs circumcise?
No, circumcision has no doctrinal or scriptural basis in Sikhism. The faith does not necessitate physical alteration to achieve spiritual cleanliness. Hence, religious circumcision is virtually unknown among Sikhs.
Do orthodox Christians circumcise?
Yes, Eastern Orthodox churches like Coptic, Ethiopian and Eritrean denominations traditionally circumcise infant boys on the 40th day after birth. However, other Orthodox Christian groups do not necessitate circumcision.
What percent of Christians are circumcised?
Estimates suggest only around 33% of Christian men globally are circumcised. The number is much lower compared to Muslims and Jews. However, in certain African Christian communities, circumcision rates can be 90% or higher.
What religions can help explain why cultures circumcise?
Islam and Judaism provide religious justification for circumcision in their respective cultures. Some indigenous groups circumcise as adolescent rites of passage. Outside religious reasons, communities may circumcise due to cultural norms or health beliefs.
What are ethical concerns regarding religious circumcision?
There are debates around autonomy and consent given most religious circumcision happens in infancy. There are also concerns about risks, pain and trauma. Some argue circumcision should be delayed until boys can consent. Religions argue circumcision has theological significance.
Conclusion
In summary, while circumcision has deep religious and cultural significance in some faiths like Islam and Judaism, it is not universally mandated across religions. Many major world religions do not require circumcision based on scriptural teachings. With growing debates around medical ethics, cultural change and liberalization of norms are also making the practice less prevalent in certain societies over time.