Sikhism and Circumcision: Difference between revisions

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{{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.
'''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]]
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.
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 rahī­ai.॥3॥
|Sunaṯ kī▫e ṯurak je ho▫igā a▫uraṯ kā ki▫ā karī▫ai. Araḏẖ sarīrī nār na cẖẖodai ṯā ṯe hinḏū 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 in some instances and religions. So much so that in the 1960s when the Hippie Movement started in America, some men grew their hair long and kept their beards, some just because they liked being different and some even considered it as a symbol of change. However, the Sikh concepts of kesh-kangha ...it is a sign of acceptance of the Creator's gift and a nurturing of that gift which Guru Gobind Singh initiated with the 5 K's so that Sikhs might stand out in a crowd for the purpose of bringing about a change in India to the thinking of the people who blindly followed and bowed before manmade laws, no matter how degrading. The Hippies in America were seeking a similar end to the  thinking of  people who blindly followed and bowed before manmade laws, no matter how degrading in the 20th century.
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?
A large part of the world's population does  shave their faces and trim their hair, circumcise their male and even female children, have their body pierced, 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. And western cultures often take a similar view feeling that men with more than a trimmed beard and untrimmed hair are carrying an unnecessary burden in their lives.
Q: What does the Guru Granth Sahib say about body modifications such as haircuts, circumcision, tattoos, body piercings, etc.?
It is common for religion texts to provide very detailed outlines of do's and don'ts. The Bible (old and new Testaments to a minor extent) 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).
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.
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?
Jews made a covenant with their God--to be circumsized. The Rasul maintained this Jewish ritual so Jewish and  Muslim babies are circumcised as a matter of their parent's' beliefs. Circumcism to the extent that it is practised in America was a result of many doctors believing that the practice prevented many deseases, even cancer. Through the 1950s most males went  uncircumcised. Today the practice is becoming rare save for medical or religious reasons. It is expected that in another generation very few American boys will be circumcised (in European countries, this practice is rare).
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 some Jewish groups are arguing for the discontinuation of the practice of circumcision.
So don't worry about your differences as boys are all trying  not to pay much attention to each others 'private parts'  in the locker room while nude as that is  a sure way to get tagged as a deviate.
Q: If a person gets circumcised for medical reasons, will he no longer be a Sikh?
[[Gurbani]] informs us that the body is a temple of the Lord ''"Within the body, the Divine Lord is embodied. The body is the temple, the place of pilgrimage, and the pilgrim. Within the body are incense, lamps and offerings. Within the body are the flower offerings. ||1||"'' and also: ''"The One who pervades the Universe also dwells in the body; whoever seeks Him, finds Him there."'' (SGGS page 695)


So to care and look after the body is a must and a compulsory duty of a Sikh. So if one has to have any medical treatment for the proper maintenance of the body, then this appears to be acceptable as far as Gurbani is concerned. Medical treatment of any kind for a Sikh is generally accepted as part of life and this cannot be considered a violation of Sikh code or rehat.
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".


However one needs to be certain that the reason is a medical one and not disguised as such. So there is no simple answer to this question as personal motivation has to be considered. I am sure that there are many Sikhs who in wars as have people of other religions who  had their reproductive organs blown off or injured. Does such an involuntary 'circumcism' or worse ever excluded them from any religion?
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>
Unfortunately like the vocal shiboleths of many wars, the forced lifting of a male's garments since the Partition, (doubtless earlier and later?) has lead to the deaths of many Muslims and Hindus (even Jews caught on a wrong bus, ect.) over the years in India. Sikhs would have avoided having to do this as their 5 K's left little doubt who they were.  
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>


ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਕਰੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਪਾਯਤ ਹੈ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਲ ਨ ਭੀਜਤ ਲਾਂਡ ਕਟਾਏ ॥੧੦੦॥<br>
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.
</big></center>
==See Also/Resources==
*[http://knmg.artsennet.nl/Publicaties/KNMGpublicatie/Nontherapeutic-circumcision-of-male-minors-2010.htm The Royal Dutch Medical Association View]
*[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]
*[http://www.courtchallenge.com/refs/history0.html Canadian History of Circumcision]
*[http://www.wholenetwork.org Whole Network]
*[http://www.Drmomma.org Dr. Momma]
*[http://www.savingsons.org Saving Sons]
*[http://www.cirp.org Circumcision Information Resource Page]
*[http://www.nocirc.org/ www.nocirc.org]
*[http://www.circinfo.org/ Circumcision Information Australia]
* [[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==
==References==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circumcision What is Circumcision?]
* 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]
 
* 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]
 




[[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