Over 4000 years ago, there were recorded paintings depicting circumcision or the removal of the foreskin in ancient Egyptians, which was a practice among pharaohs and priests in the royal court. This has led archaeologists to wonder why ancient Egyptians had the ritual of circumcision.
Some believe it was for hygiene reasons, while others think it was a rite of passage from boyhood to manhood. In fact, in ancient Egypt, circumcision was performed on both males and females at the age of 14 for reasons of hygiene, disease prevention, and importantly, as a practice to distinguish Egyptians from non-Egyptians.
Circumcision of the Penis Tip in Ancient Egypt
Circumcision of the male foreskin was a continuous practice that became a religious symbol in Muslim and Jewish cultures. It is also widespread among tribes in Africa, Australia, and some indigenous groups in South and Central America. Circumcision is considered a rite of passage into manhood and a sign of the covenant with God.
Frequently Asked Question: Why Do Muslim Men Need to Be Circumcised?
As mentioned above, this practice has been culturally passed down for a long time since the time of Prophet Ibrahim in ancient Egypt. Circumcision is necessary for Muslim men because it is a practice continued from the Prophet Muhammad. It is not only practiced in Islamic countries but also in other parts of the world. Circumcision of the male foreskin is a rule of cleanliness in Islam.
Do all Muslim men have to be circumcised? The answer is no, due to medical reasons. There are some contraindications, such as boys with hemophilia, boys with abnormal urethral openings (Hypospadias, where the opening is on the underside instead of the tip, or Epispadias, where the opening is on the upper side). Therefore, consultation with a doctor is advised before deciding to undergo circumcision.
What Are the Medical Benefits of Circumcision?
- Circumcision of the foreskin improves sexual intercourse and prevents dangers caused by the foreskin sticking during penile erection.
- Circumcision reduces risks after intercourse because the foreskin can accumulate dirt, which if left uncleaned, can affect the nervous system and cause itching around the genital area.
- The presence of urine and semen trapped under the foreskin in uncircumcised males can dirty clothing and reduce cleanliness, which is important in the Muslim faith.
- It reduces the rate of urinary tract infections in males.
- Sexually transmitted diseases: Many medical studies have concluded that the incidence of penile inflammation is higher in uncircumcised men, as well as higher rates of sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and especially AIDS.
- Cancer: It is well known that the incidence of penile cancer is reduced by circumcision, and the rate of cervical cancer is lower in women married to circumcised men.
Is Female Circumcision Still Practiced Today?
Female circumcision rituals spread before the arrival of Islam, but no one knows exactly how these rites began. Both male and female circumcision seem to be among the oldest surgical procedures.
Female circumcision is an ancient tradition in many cultures. Girls who undergo this procedure are said to participate in the Pharaonic ceremony (from ancient Egyptian, believed to originate from Egypt), meaning “to sew” (from Latin, meaning to stitch or join together). The procedure has three stages: the first during the initial circumcision when becoming a woman, the second at marriage, and the third during childbirth.
Female circumcision has been strongly criticized and condemned as harmful to health, causing unnecessary suffering to many women. It leads to diseases such as chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine tetanus, necrosis of reproductive organs, etc. These diseases once caused infant mortality rates in Africa as high as 38 percent.
It is said that female circumcision refers to various procedures involving cutting or mutilating female genitalia among indigenous women and girls, performed by elder women and considered a way to preserve tribal traditions, according to the article “Circumcision On Trial” from Reader’s Digest magazine.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in early 2018 that over 200 million women worldwide have undergone genital cutting or mutilation in many countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
The problems caused by female circumcision include risks of blood infections that can lead to death, abnormal urination, excessive menstruation, and impacts on sexual activity or painful childbirth. WHO condemns this practice and states it should no longer be supported for medical reasons.
In Conclusion, Is Circumcision Really Beneficial?
However, it cannot be denied that circumcision of the male foreskin enhances sexual pleasure by removing the foreskin, allowing full sensation during intercourse. It also helps with premature ejaculation, as the exposed glans is constantly rubbed against surroundings, reducing sensitivity and delaying ejaculation. There are clear health benefits as well.
An uncircumcised penis retains moisture under the foreskin, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria if not properly cleaned, increasing the risk of infection and potentially infecting sexual partners.
However, regarding sexual sensation, some women who have intercourse with uncircumcised men report greater sexual satisfaction and less pain. Medical professionals confirm that circumcision does not affect fertility.
