Circumcision

Also with regard to the practice of circumcision; the Teachings bear no reference to this matter, and it is therefore not enjoined upon the believers.

The beloved Guardian says that the question of circumcision has nothing to do with the Bahá’í Teachings; and the believers are free to do as they please in the matter.

From the above it is clear that there is a profound difference between the Bahá’í attitude to the circumcision of males and the excision of females.

It is evident from these statements that no Bahá’í has the right to criticize Bahá’í parents over the decisions these parents make about circumcision of their male children.

It will not be an easy task to abolish female excision, since it is so ancient and has such profound emotional and social undertones. Only the wholehearted acceptance of the authority of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh is likely to produce the conviction and courage necessary to make the change among large sectors of the population. Hence the emphasis that the Universal House of Justice has placed on the deepening of the believers' understanding of the Faith and on a patient but persistent programme by the institutions of the Cause in weaning them away from this practice.

Moreover, the practice of excision, or female circumcision, which forms a part of the initiation rites among some tribes, is contrary to the spirit of the Bahá’í teachings.

The House of Justice has given careful consideration to the question of the genital mutilation of girls, otherwise known as "female circumcision". No reference in the Bahá’í Writings to this subject has come to light; however, the House of Justice regards the practice of female circumcision as contrary to the spirit of the Bahá’í Teachings. Because this damaging custom is entrenched in tradition and is reported to be widespread in Africa, the Bahá’í institutions have the duty of weaning the friends from it through an ongoing programme of education based on spiritual principles and sound scientific information. The House of Justice knows that you will exercise wisdom in providing this advice to the friends and in encouraging them to adhere to the sacred instructions for the new day. You will undoubtedly wish to discuss with the Counsellors any plans which you may formulate, before putting these into effect, so that a united effort can be achieved.

The practice of female circumcision, which forms part of the initiation rites among some tribes, is contrary to the spirit of the Bahá’í teachings. Bahá’í institutions have the duty of weaning the friends from it through an ongoing programme of education based on spiritual principles and sound scientific information.

The question of the excision and infibulation of girls and women was first put to the Universal House of Justice in 1984 by certain National Spiritual Assemblies in Africa. Subsequently the same question was asked by an individual believer who also raised the question of the circumcision of males. In response the House of Justice stated that no reference to the excision of females has been found in the Writings, but that this practice is definitely contrary to the spirit of the Bahá’í teachings. It seems to be a very ancient practice, entrenched in tradition and widely practised by certain tribes and peoples in Africa and neighbouring lands. Patience and perseverance will therefore be required on the part of Bahá’í institutions which have the duty of weaning the believers away from this practice through an ongoing programme of education based on spiritual principles and sound scientific information.

With reference to the circumcision of males, the following are excerpts from two letters written on behalf of the Guardian: Also with regard to the practice of circumcision: the Teachings bear no reference to this matter, and it is therefore not enjoined upon the believers.