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<b>{{wiki|Circumcision}}</b> both for the male and female is strictly not permitted within [[Sikhism]]. Also, as a further extension of this same principle, other violations of the body – tattooing, body piercing, body mutilation, etc for the same reason are considered [[anti-Sikhi]]. For many peoples of various cultures and religions it was common practice to be subjected to this ritual during the time of the [[Sikh Gurus]] from 1469 to 1708AD.  However, the Sikh scripture, the [[Guru Granth Sahib]]  is clear on this subject.
{{p|File:Cut off what.jpg|You wanna cut off what?}}
{{Message of Gurbani}}
 
'''Circumcision''' means cutting some or all of the foreskin (prepuce) from the penis. Circumcision both for the male and female is strictly not permitted within [[Sikhism]]. Also, as a further extension of this same principle, other violations of the body – tattooing, body piercing, body mutilation, etc for the same reason are considered [[anti-Sikhi]]. For many peoples of various cultures and religions it was common practice to be subjected to this ritual during the time of the [[Sikh Gurus]] from 1469 to 1708AD.  However, the Sikh scripture, the [[Guru Granth Sahib]]  is clear on this subject.
 
This was and is a common practice among [[Muslim]]s who believe that by performing circumcision, the person becomes a "true" Muslim. The [[Sikh Gurus]] have questioned this and highlighted the gender inequality in this practise.


This was and is a common practice among [[Muslim]]s who believe that by performing circumcision, the person becomes a "true" Muslim. The [[Sikh Gurus]]
have questioned this and highlighted the gender inequality in this fl
This is what the holy text of the [[Sikh]]s say about this practice:
This is what the holy text of the [[Sikh]]s say about this practice:


{{Tuk|477|21608|ਸਕਤਿ ਸਨੇਹ੝ ਕਰਿ ਸ੝ੰਨਤਿ ਕਰੀਝ ਮੈ ਨ ਬਦਉਗਾ ਭਾਈ ॥ ਜਉ ਰੇ ਖ੝ਦਾਇ  ਮੋਹਿ ਤ੝ਰਕ੝  ਕਰੈਗਾ ਆਪਨ ਹੀ ਕਟਿ ਜਾਈ ॥੨॥
{{Tuk|477|21608|ਸਕਤਿ ਸਨੇਹੁ ਕਰਿ ਸੁੰਨਤਿ ਕਰੀਐ ਮੈ ਨ ਬਦਉਗਾ ਭਾਈ ॥ ਜਉ ਰੇ ਖੁਦਾਇ ਮੋਹਿ ਤੁਰਕੁ ਕਰੈਗਾ ਆਪਨ ਹੀ ਕਟਿ ਜਾਈ ॥੨॥  
|Sakaṯ sanėhu kar sunaṯ karī­ai mai na baḝ­ugĝ bẖĝ­ī. Ja­o rė kẖuḝĝ­ė mohi ṯurak karaigĝ ĝpan hī kat jĝ­ī. ॥2॥
|Sakaṯ sanehu kar sunaṯ karī▫ai mai na baḏ▫ugā bẖā▫ī. Ja▫o re kẖuḏā▫e mohi ṯurak karaigā āpan hī kat jā▫ī. ॥2॥
|Because of the love of woman, circumcision is done; '''I don't believe in it''', O Siblings of Destiny.<br>If God wished me to be a Muslim, it would be cut off by itself. ॥2॥}}
|Because of the love of woman, circumcision is done; '''I don't believe in it''', O Siblings of Destiny.<br>If God wished me to be a Muslim, it would be cut off by itself. ॥2॥}}


The [[Shabad]] continues:  
The [[Shabad]] continues:  


{{Tuk|477|21610|ਸ੝ੰਨਤਿ ਕੀਝ ਤ੝ਰਕ੝ ਜੇ ਹੋਇਗਾ ਅਉਰਤ ਕਾ ਕਿਆ ਕਰੀਝ ॥ ਅਰਧ ਸਰੀਰੀ ਨਾਰਿ ਨ ਛੋਡੈ ਤਾ ਤੇ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਹੀ ਰਹੀਝ ॥੩॥
{{Tuk|477|21610|ਸੁੰਨਤਿ ਕੀਏ ਤੁਰਕੁ ਜੇ ਹੋਇਗਾ ਅਉਰਤ ਕਾ ਕਿਆ ਕਰੀਐ ॥ ਅਰਧ ਸਰੀਰੀ ਨਾਰਿ ਨ ਛੋਡੈ ਤਾ ਤੇ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਹੀ ਰਹੀਐ ॥੩॥
|Sunaṯ kī­ė ṯurak jė ho­igĝ a­uraṯ kĝ ki­ĝ karī­ai. Araḝẖ sarīrī nĝr na cẖẖodai ṯĝ ṯė hinḝū hī rahī­ai.॥3॥
|Sunaṯ kī▫e ṯurak je ho▫igā a▫uraṯ kā ki▫ā karī▫ai. Araḏẖ sarīrī nār na cẖẖodai ṯā ṯe hinḏū hī rahī▫ai.॥3॥
|If circumcision makes one a Muslim, then what about a woman? <br>She is the other half of a man's body, and she does not leave him, so [s]he remains a Hindu.॥3॥}}
|If circumcision makes one a Muslim, then what about a woman? <br>She is the other half of a man's body, and she does not leave him, so she remains a Hindu.॥3॥}}


Further, the holy text continues to highlight how one requires to make changes in their behaviour to attain any spiritual benefit. Rituals like circumcision or fasting do not have any value in the Lord's Court; one must become modest and improve one's conduct if one wants to be closer to God. The [[SGGS]] explains:
Further, the holy text continues to highlight how one requires to make changes in their behaviour to attain any spiritual benefit. Rituals like circumcision or fasting do not have any value in the Lord's Court; one must become modest and improve one's conduct if one wants to be closer to God. The [[SGGS]] explains:


{{Tuk|140|5763| ਸਰਮ ਸ੝ੰਨਤਿ ਸੀਲ੝ ਰੋਜਾ ਹੋਹ੝ ਮ੝ਸਲਮਾਣ੝ ॥
{{Tuk|140|5762| ਸਰਮ ਸੁੰਨਤਿ ਸੀਲੁ ਰੋਜਾ ਹੋਹੁ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਣੁ ॥॥
|Saram sunaṯ sīl rojĝ hohu musalmĝṇ.
|Saram sunaṯ sīl rojā hohu musalmāṇ.
|Make modesty your circumcision, and good conduct your fast. In this way, you shall be a true Muslim.}}
|Make modesty your circumcision, and good conduct your fast. In this way, you shall be a true Muslim.}}


It is clear from the above quotes, that the Sikh Gurus were against this practice and considered it unnecessary for Muslims and therefore forbidden for Sikhs. It is regarded as a "blind and empty ritual" from which no benefit can be obtained.
SELF-ACCEPTANCE (kesh, tattoos, body piercings...)
Self-acceptance is an integral part of the Sikh faith. Guru Gobind Singh, when confronted with spineless men and women of Indian society...people who blindly followed and bowed before manmade laws, no matter how degrading...introduced the Kesh-Kangha privilege: Kesh (or unshorn hair) as a symbol of acceptance of the Creator's given form, and Kangha (or comb) to take care of the Kesh...to keep it healthy and clean.


In most cultures body modifications such as haircuts (many jobs are off-limits for men with kesh), circumcision, tattoos, etc., are demanded to ensure conformity and order. So much so that in the 1960s when the Hippie Movement started in America, men grew their hair long and kept their beards as a symbol of rebellion. However, the Sikh concepts of kesh-kangha is not a sign of rebellion...it is a sign of acceptance of the Creator's gift and a nurturing of that gift.
It is clear from the above quotes, that the [[Sikh Gurus]] and Bhagats were not in favor of this practice practice and considered it unnecessary for [[Muslim]]s and therefore forbidden for Sikhs. It is regarded as a "blind and empty ritual".


In '''Dasam Granth''', [[Guru Gobind Singh]] has writrten that by mere circumcision one can not realize almighty. In first chapter of Bachitar Natak following are quotes regarding the same:
<center><big>
ਸਾਚੁ ਕਹੋਂ ਸੁਨ ਲੈ ਚਿਤ ਦੈ ਬਿਨੁ ਦੀਨ ਦਿਆਲ ਕੀ ਸਾਮ ਸਿਧਾਏ ॥<br>
साचु कहों सुन लै चित दै बिनु दीन दिआल की साम सिधाए ॥<br>
Listen attentively, I speak Turth, Thou shalt not achieve the target without going under the Refuge of the LORD, Who is ever Merciful to the lowly.<br>


Q: Why does Sikhism reject haircuts, circumcision and other similar rituals that a large fraction of the world's population practices? Do Sikhs consider these people sinners or bad people?
ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਕਰੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਪਾਯਤ ਹੈ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਲ ਨ ਭੀਜਤ ਲਾਂਡ ਕਟਾਏ ॥੧੦੦॥<br>
A large part of the world's population does participate in rituals such as shaving of hair, circumcision, body piercing, etc. In this sense, Sikhs are in the minority. However, for a Sikh, acceptance of Nature's beautiful body is an important component of the Sikh value system. Acceptance of one's God-given physique without "improving" it by razors and scissors is a first step in accepting other laws, the foremost of which is becoming a universal being. Sikhs view others who engage in such rituals as people who carry unnecessary burdens in their lives; not as sinners or bad people.  
प्रीति करे प्रभु पायत है क्रिपाल न भीजत लांड कटाए ॥१००॥<br>
 
God can only be realized with LOVE, He is not pleased by circumcision.100.
Q: What does the Guru Granth Sahib say about body modifications such as haircuts, circumcision, tattoos, body piercings, etc.?
</big></center>
It is common for religion texts to provide very detailed outlines of do's and don'ts. The Bibles (old and new) and the Koran provide very detailed guidelines to their flock on daily living. The Guru Granth Sahib refrains from doing this. The Guru only provides us basic Universal principles (One God, Truth brings bliss, oneness of the human race, etc.) and the path to reach Truth (by minimizing ego and seeing oneself in everyone). In the Sikh "rahitnama" or code of conduct, kesh is to be accepted as the Creator's gift and taken care of with a kangha (comb).
==See Also/Resources==
 
*[http://knmg.artsennet.nl/Publicaties/KNMGpublicatie/Nontherapeutic-circumcision-of-male-minors-2010.htm The Royal Dutch Medical Association View]
Acceptance of the Creator's given body is a natural outcome of a lifestyle that is in conformity with the Guru's teaching. Of course, this does not preclude the use of surgery or other medical interventions when the body has become ill.  
*[http://www.noharmm.org/docswords.htm A Short History of Circumcision in North America: In the Physicians' Own Words]
 
*[http://www.stopthecut.org/history_of_circumcision.php Short Summary of the History of Circumcision]
Q: I am a twelve year old boy. When I go to the gym locker room I see that most of the other boys are circumcised. I feel so different because I am not circumcised and I keep my hair long. How should I get over these feelings of being different?
*[http://www.courtchallenge.com/refs/history0.html Canadian History of Circumcision]
According to Jewish and Islamic beliefs is the duty of a good Jew or Mulsim to be circumcised. This practice spread in North America and by the 1970s almost all American boys were routinely circumcised. This practice is reversing, and fast. It is expected that in another generation very few American boys will be circumcised (in European countries, this practice is rare).
*[http://www.wholenetwork.org Whole Network]
 
*[http://www.Drmomma.org Dr. Momma]
In a way, the idea of self-acceptance is spreading and more people are looking at male circumcision as a barbaric practice. Respected child psychologists and the American Association of Pediatrics are raising their concern against this practice. Even Jewish groups are arguing for the discontinuation of the practice of circumcision.
*[http://www.savingsons.org Saving Sons]
 
*[http://www.cirp.org Circumcision Information Resource Page]
So it is very likely that the boys you see in the locker room are envious that your parents did not circumcise you.
*[http://www.nocirc.org/ www.nocirc.org]
 
*[http://www.circinfo.org/ Circumcision Information Australia]
* See all the occurances of the word "circumcision" within the Sikh holy text of [[SGGS]]: [http://www.srigranth.org/servlet/gurbani.gurbani?Action=Search&Param=english Search at Srigranth.org]
* [[Talk:Sikhism and Circumcision|discussion tab]] for dialogue on this article.
*[http://blog.practicalethics.ox.ac.uk/2012/06/religion-is-no-excuse-for-mutilating-your-babys-penis/ Brian D. Earp (Research Associate for Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics) examines circumcision.][http://blog.practicalethics.ox.ac.uk/2012/05/when-bad-science-kills-or-how-to-spread-aids/ On Aids]and[http://blog.practicalethics.ox.ac.uk/2011/08/circumcision-is-immoral-should-be-banned immorality]
*http://www.notjustskin.org/
==== Videos ====
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hW1a9VUu4i4 The Surgical Procedure being done.]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCpKDY77IKM&feature=youtu.be Intact vs Circumcised care]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DD2yW7AaZFw Anatomy of the Penis and Foreskin Neurology]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=bx89xECfHG4 Cutting through the myths of circumcision ]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=acc70D2ApFg Circumcision: Know the facts part 1]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPxjhLq3eUQ Circumcision: Know the facts part 2]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ceht-3xu84I Child Circumcision: An Elephant in the hospital by Dr. Ryan McAllister PhD]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Nk0zanvEbS0 Why Circumcision is unnecessary by Dr. John Travis MD]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeAXantm4tE Circumcision: The Whole Story. By Canadian Dr. Christopher Guest]


==References==
* See all the occurrences of the word "circumcision" within the Sikh holy text of [[Sri Guru Granth Sahib]]: [http://www.srigranth.org/servlet/gurbani.gurbani?Action=Search&Param=english&Tier=1&SearchData=circumcision Search at Srigranth.org]




[[Category:Sikh practice]]
[[Category:Sikh practice]]
[[Category:Bani]]
[[Category:Bani]]
<br />
[[User:JDP]]<br />

Latest revision as of 10:36, 3 October 2013

You wanna cut off what?

This article is part of the series on the "Message of Gurbani"

Circumcision means cutting some or all of the foreskin (prepuce) from the penis. Circumcision both for the male and female is strictly not permitted within Sikhism. Also, as a further extension of this same principle, other violations of the body – tattooing, body piercing, body mutilation, etc for the same reason are considered anti-Sikhi. For many peoples of various cultures and religions it was common practice to be subjected to this ritual during the time of the Sikh Gurus from 1469 to 1708AD. However, the Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib is clear on this subject.

This was and is a common practice among Muslims who believe that by performing circumcision, the person becomes a "true" Muslim. The Sikh Gurus have questioned this and highlighted the gender inequality in this practise.

This is what the holy text of the Sikhs say about this practice:

ਸਕਤਿ ਸਨੇਹੁ ਕਰਿ ਸੁੰਨਤਿ ਕਰੀਐ ਮੈ ਨ ਬਦਉਗਾ ਭਾਈ ॥ ਜਉ ਰੇ ਖੁਦਾਇ ਮੋਹਿ ਤੁਰਕੁ ਕਰੈਗਾ ਆਪਨ ਹੀ ਕਟਿ ਜਾਈ ॥੨॥
Sakaṯ sanehu kar sunaṯ karī▫ai mai na baḏ▫ugā bẖā▫ī. Ja▫o re kẖuḏā▫e mohi ṯurak karaigā āpan hī kat jā▫ī. ॥2॥
Because of the love of woman, circumcision is done; I don't believe in it, O Siblings of Destiny.
If God wished me to be a Muslim, it would be cut off by itself. ॥2॥


The Shabad continues:

ਸੁੰਨਤਿ ਕੀਏ ਤੁਰਕੁ ਜੇ ਹੋਇਗਾ ਅਉਰਤ ਕਾ ਕਿਆ ਕਰੀਐ ॥ ਅਰਧ ਸਰੀਰੀ ਨਾਰਿ ਨ ਛੋਡੈ ਤਾ ਤੇ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਹੀ ਰਹੀਐ ॥੩॥
Sunaṯ kī▫e ṯurak je ho▫igā a▫uraṯ kā ki▫ā karī▫ai. Araḏẖ sarīrī nār na cẖẖodai ṯā ṯe hinḏū hī rahī▫ai.॥3॥
If circumcision makes one a Muslim, then what about a woman?
She is the other half of a man's body, and she does not leave him, so she remains a Hindu.॥3॥

Further, the holy text continues to highlight how one requires to make changes in their behaviour to attain any spiritual benefit. Rituals like circumcision or fasting do not have any value in the Lord's Court; one must become modest and improve one's conduct if one wants to be closer to God. The SGGS explains:

ਸਰਮ ਸੁੰਨਤਿ ਸੀਲੁ ਰੋਜਾ ਹੋਹੁ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਣੁ ॥॥
Saram sunaṯ sīl rojā hohu musalmāṇ.
Make modesty your circumcision, and good conduct your fast. In this way, you shall be a true Muslim.


It is clear from the above quotes, that the Sikh Gurus and Bhagats were not in favor of this practice practice and considered it unnecessary for Muslims and therefore forbidden for Sikhs. It is regarded as a "blind and empty ritual".

In Dasam Granth, Guru Gobind Singh has writrten that by mere circumcision one can not realize almighty. In first chapter of Bachitar Natak following are quotes regarding the same:

ਸਾਚੁ ਕਹੋਂ ਸੁਨ ਲੈ ਚਿਤ ਦੈ ਬਿਨੁ ਦੀਨ ਦਿਆਲ ਕੀ ਸਾਮ ਸਿਧਾਏ ॥
साचु कहों सुन लै चित दै बिनु दीन दिआल की साम सिधाए ॥
Listen attentively, I speak Turth, Thou shalt not achieve the target without going under the Refuge of the LORD, Who is ever Merciful to the lowly.

ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਕਰੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਪਾਯਤ ਹੈ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਲ ਨ ਭੀਜਤ ਲਾਂਡ ਕਟਾਏ ॥੧੦੦॥
प्रीति करे प्रभु पायत है क्रिपाल न भीजत लांड कटाए ॥१००॥
God can only be realized with LOVE, He is not pleased by circumcision.100.

See Also/Resources

Videos

References


User:JDP

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