Sikhism and Circumcision: Difference between revisions
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'''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 | |||
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: | ||
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{{Tuk|477|21610|ਸੰਨਤਿ ਕੀਝ ਤਰਕ ਜੇ ਹੋਇਗਾ ਅਉਰਤ ਕਾ ਕਿਆ ਕਰੀਝ ॥ ਅਰਧ ਸਰੀਰੀ ਨਾਰਿ ਨ ਛੋਡੈ ਤਾ ਤੇ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਹੀ ਰਹੀਝ ॥੩॥ | {{Tuk|477|21610|ਸੰਨਤਿ ਕੀਝ ਤਰਕ ਜੇ ਹੋਇਗਾ ਅਉਰਤ ਕਾ ਕਿਆ ਕਰੀਝ ॥ ਅਰਧ ਸਰੀਰੀ ਨਾਰਿ ਨ ਛੋਡੈ ਤਾ ਤੇ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਹੀ ਰਹੀਝ ॥੩॥ | ||
|Sunaṯ kīė ṯurak jė hoigĝ auraṯ kĝ kiĝ karīai. Araḝẖ sarīrī nĝr na cẖẖodai ṯĝ ṯė hinḝū hī rahīai.॥3॥ | |Sunaṯ kīė ṯurak jė hoigĝ auraṯ kĝ kiĝ karīai. Araḝẖ sarīrī nĝr na cẖẖodai ṯĝ ṯė hinḝū hī rahīai.॥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 | |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: | ||
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|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 | It is clear from the above quotes, that the [[Sikh Gurus]] were against this practice and considered it unnecessary for [[Muslim]]s and therefore forbidden for Sikhs. It is regarded as a "blind and empty ritual" from which no benefit can be obtained. | ||
*see [[Talk:Sikhism and Circumcision|discussion tab]] for dialogue on this article. | *see [[Talk:Sikhism and Circumcision|discussion tab]] for dialogue on this article. | ||
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* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circumcision What is Circumcision?] | * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circumcision What is Circumcision?] | ||
* See all the | * See all the occurrences 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]] | ||
Revision as of 10:56, 23 June 2009
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 ਸਨੇਹ ਕਰਿ ਸੰਨਤਿ ਕਰੀਝ ਮੈ ਨ ਬਦਉਗਾ ਭਾਈ ॥ ਜਉ ਰੇ ਖਦਾਇ ਮੋਹਿ ਤਰਕ 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॥ |
| 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:
| ਸੰਨਤਿ ਕੀਝ ਤਰਕ ਜੇ ਹੋਇਗਾ ਅਉਰਤ ਕਾ ਕਿਆ ਕਰੀਝ ॥ ਅਰਧ ਸਰੀਰੀ ਨਾਰਿ ਨ ਛੋਡੈ ਤਾ ਤੇ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਹੀ ਰਹੀਝ ॥੩॥ |
| Sunaṯ kīė ṯurak jė hoigĝ auraṯ kĝ kiĝ karīai. Araḝẖ sarīrī nĝr na cẖẖodai ṯĝ ṯė hinḝū hī rahīai.॥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 ਸੰਨਤਿ ਸੀਲ ਰੋਜਾ ਹੋਹ ਮਸਲਮਾਣ ॥ |
| Saram sunaṯ sīl rojĝ hohu musalmĝṇ. |
| 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.
- see discussion tab for dialogue on this article.
References
- See all the occurrences of the word "circumcision" within the Sikh holy text of SGGS: Search at Srigranth.org
