Circumcision is an initiation rite for Jewish newborn babies. It is also practised by Muslims, who see it as a sign of purification and perform the rite within the early years of a child's life.
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Religions
Religions
Religions
Circumcision is an initiation rite for Jewish newborn babies. It is also practised by Muslims who see it as a sign of purification and perform the rite within the early years of a child's life.
Followers of Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism are against the ritual being carried out for religious reasons.
About one in six men worldwide are circumcised and it is estimated that 15 million post-infancy operations are performed each year, making circumcision the most commonly practised medical procedure in the world.
Amongst Jews and Muslims where circumcision is mandatory or desirable, numbers are higher. Each year approximately 100,000 Jews are circumcised and 10 million Muslims.
Rates of circumcision vary between countries. In parts of Africa where circumcision is a tribal custom, the number is around nine million.
In Britain, the rest of Europe, Central and South America and Asia, the rate is as low as one per cent.
Judaism
Circumcision in Judaism
Circumcision is most associated with the Jewish commmunity although there are more circumcised Muslims in the world than Jews.
The Jewish circumcision ritual is an ancient practice that has been carried out by Jewish parents for more than 3,000 years. Circumcision is seen as a covenant with God and a requirement for all Jewish males.
Read more about the ritual, the religious background and the debate »
Islam
Circumcision in Islam
Muslims are still the largest single religious group to circumcise boys. The main reason given for the ritual is cleanliness. For the majority of Muslims, circumcision is seen as an introduction to the Islamic faith and a sign of belonging.
Circumcision is not mentioned in the Qur'an but it is highlighted in the Prophet Muhammad's recorded words and actions.
Read more about the process and its connection with the Prophet »
Christianity
Circumcision and Christianity
In the Old Testament circumcision is clearly defined as a covenant between God and all Jewish males. But circumcision is not laid down as a requirement in the New Testament.
See also
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