19th-December-2007
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 | Men's rights activist | | | |
Religion and infant male circumcision | |
Quote:
It is likely that sometime in the coming few days, myself and the 384 other individuals who signed the Ban the circumcision of all males under 18 in the UK petition, will be emailed the government's response.
They will of course instantly reject the petition, and there is one reason why - religion.
Below are excerpts from BBC articles on circumcision in Islam and Judaism.
Islam & infant male circumcision
Muslims are still the largest single religious group to circumcise boys.
In Islam circumcision is also known as tahara, meaning purification.
Circumcision is not mentioned in the Qur'an but it is highlighted in the Sunnah (the Prophet Muhammad's recorded words and actions). In the Sunnah, Muhammad stated that circumcision was a "law for men and a preservation of honour for women."
For the majority of Muslims, circumcision is seen as an introduction to the Islamic faith and a sign of belonging.
Circumcision is not compulsory in Islam but it is an important ritual aimed at improving cleanliness. It is strongly encouraged but not enforced.
Judaism & infant male circumcision
Each year approximately 100,000 Jews are circumcised. This usually takes place in a ceremony called a Brit (or Bris) milah witnessed by family and community members. Milah is Hebrew for Covenant of Circumcision.
The ritual is an ancient practice that has been carried out by Jewish parents for more than 3,000 years.
Although circumcision is widespread in the Jewish community, not all Jews accept the cutting or removal of a baby's foreskin as an absolute requirement.
Some groups are now questioning the tradition, arguing that it is not essential to be circumcised to be a Jew.
Despite infant circumcision not being a requirement in Islam, and the existence of a growing Jewish backlash against the practice, there is no way that Gordon Brown will give his support to the petition.
| http://tinyurl.com/26rbvw |
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