Religious Manipulation Tricked Muslims into Circumcision 95% of Muslim and 92% of Israeli Men Cut- Muslim Brotherhood PUSHED Circumcision.  Problem is, Muslim Brotherhood is not who everyone thinks they are.

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Boys & men are being raped, as often or MORE than girls & women, from boys in Pakistan to men raped by other men. Rape in USA Military, Prisons, Schools and NO Shelters for victims of MALE RAPE, why not? WHY don’t we know much about it? (psychopathinyourlife.com)

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The Muslim Brotherhood – The Globalists' Secret Weapon (bibliotecapleyades.net)

Roots of "Islamic" Terrorism | Office of Justice Programs (ojp.gov)

Islamic terrorism - Wikipedia

'Agents of Destruction': How CIA Helped Create Islamist Frankenstein - 19.03.2016, Sputnik International (sputnikglobe.com)

Barack Obama, ISIS and the Muslim Brotherhood — Secret History — Sott.net

The US's standard operating procedure: How the CIA created 'Islamist terrorism' — Puppet Masters — Sott.net

America enabled radical Islam: How the CIA, George W. Bush and many others helped create ISIS - Salon.com

The CIA and The Muslim Brotherhood: How the CIA Set The Stage for September 11 (Martin A. Lee – Razor Magazine 2004) | ce399 | research archive: (anti)fascism (wordpress.com)

The CIA and ISI Axis of Synthetic Terror – The Millennium Report

USA, CIA Created Sunni Islamic Terrorism | ThereAreNoSunglasses (wordpress.com)

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Muslim Brotherhood - Wikipedia

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Introduction

This report examines claims and narratives that suggest a deep-rooted ideological and structural connection between the Muslim Brotherhood and Freemasonry, placing both in a larger historical and geopolitical context that includes Zionist aspirations, colonial manipulation, and secret societies like the Knights Templar.

Freemasonry: Origins and Structure

• Freemasonry is a secretive fraternal organization often traced to:

• Hiram Abiff, the biblical architect of Solomon’s Temple.

• The Knights Templar, a Catholic military order active during the Crusades.

• Anderson’s Constitutions (1723), written by James Anderson, formalized Masonic doctrine rooted in Old Testament values and Jewish symbolism.

• Freemasonry promotes:

• Universal brotherhood

• Enlightenment values

• Global unification of beliefs under symbolic structures

• Critics argue its goals include the dissolution of religious distinctiveness to enable global control—allegedly consistent with themes in the Protocols of the Elders of Zion.

Freemasonry’s Goals and Religious Manipulation

• The organization has been accused of operating through ambiguity, symbolism, and hidden agendas:

• Undermining national and religious identities

• Promoting global governance aligned with Zionist and Talmudic principles

• Exploiting spiritual language for political and financial goals

The Muslim Brotherhood: Founding and Ideological Roots

• Founded in 1928 in Egypt by Hassan al-Banna

• Claimed purpose: Islamic revival and resistance to secularism and Western imperialism

• However, some researchers argue:

• The Brotherhood is not purely Islamic, but a derivative of Freemasonic organization and ideology, created with help from colonial and Zionist intelligence networks

Jamal al-Din al-Afghani: The Link Between Freemasonry and the Muslim Brotherhood

• Afghan thinker Jamal al-Din al-Afghani (Iranian Shiite by background) is cited as a key bridge:

• President of a Masonic lodge in Egypt

• Alleged British intelligence collaborator

• Roamed freely under colonial empires, traveling through India, Russia, Europe, and the Ottoman Empire

• His student, Hassan al-Banna, adopted much of his organizational strategy, allegedly forming the Brotherhood using Freemasonic principles of brotherhood, secrecy, and hierarchy

Structural and Ideological Parallels

• Egyptian lawyer Tharwat al-Kharbawi, a former Brotherhood member, has written extensively on the organizational similarity between Freemasonry and the Muslim Brotherhood:

• Secret initiation ranks

• Absolute loyalty among “brothers”

• Rejection of national allegiance in favor of a universalist ideology

• Brotherhood aims align with Freemasonic globalist vision: the erosion of state borders and religious distinctions under one unified ideological order

Brotherhood Members and Alleged Masonic Ties

• Hassan al-Hudaibi, Brotherhood leader after al-Banna, accused of Masonic ties by critics such as Sheikh Mohammed al-Ghazali

• Sayyid Qutb, the Brotherhood's most influential theorist:

• His 1943 essay allegedly titled Why I Became a Mason suggests ideological flirtation

• His later extremism laid the foundation for Al-Qaeda and ISIS ideologies, which mirror radical interpretations of “purification” in both Freemasonry and takfiri thought

Arab Revolutions and Freemasonic Strategy

• The 2011 Arab Spring is seen by critics as:

• Engineered chaos using sectarianism and popular unrest

• Promoted by Qatar and Iran, aligning with Israeli geopolitical interests

• A continuation of the “divide and conquer” strategy linked to Freemasonic and Zionist agendas

• Designed to fragment the Middle East into weak, manageable states

Historical Origins: The Knights Templar and the Temple of Solomon

• The Knights Templar, founded in 1118 AD in Jerusalem, originally claimed to protect Christian pilgrims

• However:

• They amassed immense wealth, engaged in usury, and were accused of heresy

• After their suppression in 1307–1314 (notably under King Philip of France), survivors allegedly regrouped under Masonic guilds

• By infiltrating operative stonemason guilds in Britain, the Templars are believed to have morphed into speculative Freemasonry

• Their obsession with Solomon’s Temple carried forward the mystical, Kabbalistic, and esoteric traditions still embedded in modern Masonic rituals

Modern Continuity and Influence

• Freemasonry today is considered by some scholars to be:

• An extension of the Templar cult, repackaged for enlightenment-era secrecy

• Still deeply tied to Zionist political aspirations and globalist frameworks

• A network through which ideologies like the Muslim Brotherhood are promoted under religious or revolutionary banners

Conclusion

The narrative suggests the Muslim Brotherhood is not simply an Islamic movement, but rather a Freemasonic-Zionist creation designed to:

• Fragment Islamic unity from within

• Co-opt religious language for geopolitical manipulation

• Advance a long-term project of global control aligned with Freemasonic and Zionist ideologies

The Brotherhood’s hierarchical structure, slogans of universal brotherhood, disregard for national borders, and susceptibility to foreign influence echo Freemasonic principles. Its legacy—through figures like Qutb—continues to influence radical movements today.

Report: The Roots of Islamic Terrorism

Overview

This report explores the origins and growth of Islamic terrorism, with emphasis on the ideological, political, and strategic factors that influenced the formation and global spread of militant Islam. It argues that the emergence of radical Islamist movements, especially the Muslim Brotherhood, was not an organic phenomenon but a strategically manipulated development involving British imperialism, Freemasonry, and globalist interests.

Decline of Religion and the Islamic Exception

While the West and East have seen religious decline, the Middle East has experienced a revival of Islamic identity. This revival is not coincidental but reflects deliberate manipulation by global elites to use militant Islam as a political tool.

Origins of the Muslim Brotherhood

Founded in 1928 by Hasan al-Banna in Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) emerged as the most influential Sunni revivalist organization of the 20th century. Banna's formative years were shaped by Sufi practices and connections with reformist Islamic figures linked to Freemasonry, such as Jamal al-Din al-Afghani and Mohammed Abduh.

British Intelligence and Freemasonry Links

• Allegations persist that the MB was created or influenced by British intelligence and Masonic networks.
• Egypt under British rule was home to many Masonic lodges, which included aristocrats and Islamic reformers.
• Abduh, an Islamic scholar and Grand Mufti of Egypt, was also the Masonic Grand Master of Egypt.
• These networks advanced economic and political agendas, including legitimizing banking practices like usury under Islam.

MB’s Ideological Network

• MB founder Banna was influenced by Mohammed Rida, a Masonic ally and British sympathizer.
• MB’s structure mirrored Freemasonry: secret cells, hierarchical leadership, and brotherhood loyalty.
• Despite early cooperation with British rulers, MB turned radical and anti-colonial in the 1930s and 1940s.

Suppression and Resurrection

• After accusations of political violence, including the assassination of Egyptian officials, the MB was banned and driven underground in 1948.
• Banna was assassinated in 1949. Successive MB leaders operated under state repression.
• By the 1950s, MB clashed with Egyptian nationalists under Nasser and sought support from Western intelligence services.

The Ideological Architects

Sayed Qutb

• Chief MB ideologue
• Advocated for Islamic revolution against secular Arab states
• Authored "Milestones" promoting violent jihad
• Executed in 1966

Mustafa al-Sibai (Syria)

• Founded MB’s Syrian branch
• Advocated resistance to Western economic colonialism

Abul Ala Maududi (Pakistan)

• Founder of Jamaat-e Islami
• Developed concept of Islamic democracy based on divine sovereignty
• Allied ideologically with MB

Ali Shariati (Iran)

• Marxist-Islamist philosopher
• Linked to British intelligence and Freemasonry
• Inspired Iranian revolution and Ayatollah Khomeini

Western Elites and Population Control

• Influential figures and institutions (e.g., Bertrand Russell, Julian Huxley, Kissinger, Club of Rome) saw population growth and industrialization as threats.
• Strategies included environmental alarmism, population control policies, and fostering internal conflict in developing nations.

The Arc of Crisis Strategy

• Term coined by Brzezinski, referring to the destabilization of the Middle East from Pakistan to North Africa.
• Western elites used militant Islam to halt secular modernization and suppress industrial growth in Muslim nations.
• Supported Islamist groups through intelligence networks and institutions like the Islamic Council of Europe and Islamic Foundation in Leicester.

Brotherhood's Expansion and Offshoots

• Spread into Syria, Pakistan, Iran, and Gaza
• Linked to Islamic Jihad, HAMAS, and terrorist activities across the Middle East
• Established bases in London and Geneva under Said Ramadan and Salem Azzam
• Supported by Saudi funding and CIA operations in Afghanistan

Osama bin Laden’s Trajectory

• Mentored by MB-linked scholars (Mohammed Qutb and Abdullah Azzam)
• Founded Al Qaeda from MAK in Peshawar during Afghan-Soviet War
• Sponsored by bin Laden family fortune and CIA-backed operations
• Developed global jihad network rooted in MB ideology

Conclusion

The rise of Islamic terrorism is deeply intertwined with the Muslim Brotherhood and its ideological forebears. Far from being a grassroots religious revival, it has been shaped and manipulated by Western imperial powers, intelligence agencies, and Masonic networks to serve geopolitical objectives, destabilize nationalist movements, and control Third World development. The Muslim Brotherhood remains the ideological core of global Islamist militancy, with financial, political, and religious networks that continue to shape conflicts today.

1916 – Sykes–Picot Agreement

• Secret pact between Britain and France (with Russian assent) to divide the Arab provinces of the Ottoman Empire after WWI.

• It sowed deep resentment in the Arab world by ignoring promises of Arab independence and laid the groundwork for future conflicts in the Middle East.

1924 – Abolition of the Ottoman Caliphate

• The formal end of the Islamic Caliphate by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in Turkey.

• Created a vacuum in Islamic leadership and religious authority that later movements like the Muslim Brotherhood sought to fill.

1928 – Founding of the Muslim Brotherhood

• Established in Egypt by Hassan al-Banna.

• Aimed to revive Islamic governance, resist Western influence, and re-establish a unified Islamic society under Sharia law.

• Created a dual structure: a public religious and social movement and a covert militant wing (al-nizam al-khass).

1930s–1940s – Brotherhood Expansion and Nazi Collaboration

• The Brotherhood expanded across Arab nations (e.g., Jordan, Syria, Palestine).

• Grand Mufti of Jerusalem Amin al-Husseini (closely aligned with al-Banna) collaborated with Nazi Germany during WWII.

• Helped form the Handschar SS—a Nazi Muslim division used against Yugoslav partisans and Jews.

1950s – Brotherhood Exile and CIA Interest

• After Brotherhood opposition to Egypt's President Nasser, many members fled to Saudi Arabia, Europe, and North America.

• U.S. intelligence (CIA) began to see the Brotherhood as a bulwark against communism, particularly in exile communities like Munich.

• Brotherhood thought spread through academic and religious institutions funded by Gulf states.

1979 – Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan

• The CIA and Saudi Intelligence launched Operation Cyclone to fund and arm Islamic fighters (mujahideen) against Soviet forces.

• Osama bin Laden, from a wealthy Saudi family and a Brotherhood affiliate, becomes a key figure in recruiting fighters and funds.

• Ayman al-Zawahiri, a lifelong Brotherhood member and Egyptian militant, joins bin Laden’s inner circle.

1987 – Formation of Hamas

• Established as the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood during the First Intifada.

• Combines political Islam, militancy, and social services; considered a terrorist group by Israel, the U.S., and EU.

1988 – Al-Qaeda Founded

• Formed by Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri, drawing from mujahideen veterans and Brotherhood-linked ideology.

• Al-Qaeda aimed to globalize jihad and target the "far enemy" (primarily the U.S.).

1993 – World Trade Center Bombing

• Led by Sheikh Omar Abdel-Rahman, a radical Egyptian cleric with Brotherhood ties.

• A precursor to more significant jihadist attacks against the West.

2001 – 9/11 Attacks

• Coordinated by Al-Qaeda under Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri.

• Triggered the U.S.-led War on Terror, targeting Al-Qaeda and Taliban forces in Afghanistan.

2003–2010 – Rise of Al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI)

• After the U.S. invasion of Iraq, jihadists under Abu Musab al-Zarqawi (later merged into Al-Qaeda) begin sectarian warfare.

• AQI becomes a precursor to ISIS.

2011 – Arab Spring and PSD-11

• The Obama Administration’s Presidential Study Directive-11 (PSD-11) orders U.S. agencies to reassess support for political change in the Arab world.

• U.S. begins engagement with the Muslim Brotherhood in countries like Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, and Syria.

• Brotherhood-backed governments briefly take power in some Arab Spring countries (e.g., Egypt's Morsi government, 2012–2013).

2013 – Egyptian Military Overthrows Brotherhood Government

• Mohamed Morsi, a Brotherhood leader and Egypt's first democratically elected president, is removed by the military.

• The Brotherhood is outlawed in Egypt and designated a terrorist group by some countries.

2014 – Rise of ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria)

• Emerges from Al-Qaeda in Iraq under Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

• Declares a caliphate, capturing large territories in Iraq and Syria.

• Uses Brotherhood-style ideological roots with more extreme tactics and a global recruitment strategy.

2015–Present – ISIS Expansion and Collapse

• ISIS spreads globally through affiliates (e.g., in Libya, West Africa, Southeast Asia).

• Coalition military efforts decimate its territory by 2019, but sleeper cells and ideology persist.

Connections Summary:

• Muslim Brotherhood: Provided the ideological foundation — sharia law, jihad, Islamic governance.

• Al-Qaeda: Formed by Brotherhood-affiliated figures (bin Laden, al-Zawahiri); globalized jihad.

• ISIS: Evolved from Al-Qaeda in Iraq, merged Brotherhood-inspired ideology with apocalyptic violence.

All three movements share roots in revivalist Islamism and the belief in restoring a caliphate, rejecting secular governance, and enforcing Islamic law through both social influence and armed struggles.

Timeline Overview of the Muslim Brotherhood

• 1928: Muslim Brotherhood founded in Egypt by Hassan al-Banna.

• 1945: Brotherhood formally established in Jordan.

• 1940s–1960s: Brotherhood influence spreads into Palestine (West Bank and Gaza).

• 1970s–1980s: Heightened coordination between Palestinian and Jordanian branches.

• 1987: Hamas is established as the Palestinian arm of the Muslim Brotherhood.

U.S. Policy and the Muslim Brotherhood: PSD-11

• During the Obama Administration, Presidential Study Directive-11 (PSD-11) was signed, initiating a classified reevaluation of political reform in the Middle East and the role of the Muslim Brotherhood.

• Former House Intelligence Committee Chairman Peter Hoekstra testified that PSD-11 ordered U.S. government agencies to prepare for "change," which meant support for the Muslim Brotherhood during the Arab Spring (2011).

• American diplomats were directed to make formal contact with Brotherhood leadership, despite the organization's secretive and extremist history.

Nature and Structure of the Muslim Brotherhood

• The Brotherhood is a dual-faced organization:

• Public side: Claims peaceful charity and religious education.

• Secret arm: Known as al-nizam al-khass (Special Section) or al-jihaz al-sirri (Secret Apparatus), operating as a covert military and assassination wing.

• Guiding motto:
  “Allah is our goal; The Prophet is our Leader; The Qur’an is our Constitution; Jihad is our Way; Death in the service of Allah is the loftiest of our wishes.”

The organization promotes:

• Jihad as personal obligation.
• Sharia law and total Islamization of society.
• Death as martyrdom in service to Islam.

Brotherhood-Nazi-CIA Connections

• During WWII, Brotherhood figures such as Amin al-Husseini collaborated with Nazi Germany and SS chief Heinrich Himmler, creating Muslim SS units.
• After the war, the CIA utilized Brotherhood members exiled in Munich to support anti-Soviet Islamist movements.
• The Brotherhood later spawned key terrorist organizations:
• Al Qaeda: Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri (both Brotherhood affiliates).
• ISIS, Al Nusra, and others directly trace back to Brotherhood roots.

Circumcision and Brotherhood Religious Enforcement

Pre-Existing Islamic Tradition

• Circumcision (khitan) is a sunnah (Prophetic tradition), widely practiced across the Muslim world long before the Brotherhood's existence.
• Since the 7th century, it has been nearly universal among Muslim males in North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.

Brotherhood’s Influence on Religious Rituals

• While not the originator, the Brotherhood reinforced circumcision as part of a larger religious revival.

This occurred amid:

• Colonialism and secular nationalism (e.g., British rule in Egypt, French rule in Algeria).
• Islamic practice weakening among Westernized elites and urban populations.

The Brotherhood used ritual practices—including circumcision—to:

• Reaffirm Islamic identity.
• Draw symbolic boundaries between Muslims and non-Muslims (e.g., Copts in Egypt).
• Challenge secular and colonial ideologies.

Strategic Religious Revival through Ritual

• Circumcision was reframed as mandatory, not optional.
• Brotherhood grassroots campaigns emphasized:
• Islamic education
• Obligatory rituals such as prayer, modest dress, and circumcision
• Especially targeted:
• Urban poor
• Politically mobilized communities
• Regions facing Westernization and moral liberalization

Brotherhood’s Political and Medical Enforcement of Circumcision

Practical Promotion of Ritual

• After Egypt’s 2011 revolution, Brotherhood-affiliated Freedom and Justice Party organized:
• Mobile medical caravans performing circumcision (both male and female).
• Programs sometimes offered at nominal cost to increase uptake.

Religious Fatwas and Theological Justifications

• Yusuf al-Qaradawi, Brotherhood-associated cleric, praised both male and female circumcision as spiritually commendable.
• Mufti Mohammed Khateeb (1981 fatwa): Circumcision "approved" for both sexes since Islam’s origin.

Institutional Push

Circumcision was presented as:

• A mark of religious loyalty
• A means to preserve Islamic moral purity
• A visible boundary against secularism and non-Muslim identity

Historical and Cultural Context

• Sykes–Picot Agreement (1916): Carved up the Ottoman Empire, paving the way for colonial intrusion into Muslim lands.
• The Brotherhood’s formation (1928) was partly a response to colonial fragmentation and loss of Islamic authority.
• Circumcision became a strategic religious reaffirmation:
• Not due to a widespread drop in practice, but due to uneven enforcement and ritual laxity in colonized and elite segments.

Conclusion

• The Muslim Brotherhood did not invent circumcision in Islam.
• But it revitalized and enforced it during a time of religious fragmentation, secular influence, and colonial domination.
• Circumcision became a symbol of Islamic revival, loyalty, and resistance to Western values.

Key Takeaways:

• Circumcision was never wholly abandoned but was unevenly practiced in the early 20th century.
• The Muslim Brotherhood used it as a tool for identity consolidation and religious purification.
• Through ideology, health campaigns, and political legitimacy, the Brotherhood reinforced circumcision as a mandatory, sacred ritual, central to Islamic male identity.

This historical pattern reflects a broader dynamic where ritual intensifies under cultural threat, and religious movements use bodily rites as tools of cohesion, resistance, and indoctrination.

Obelisk on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., built to commemorate George Washington, a Founding Father of the United States, victorious commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783 in the American Revolutionary War, and the first president of the United States from 1789 to 1797. Standing east of the Reflecting Pool and the Lincoln Memorial, the monument is made of bluestone gneiss for the foundation and of granite for the construction...

Washington, D.C. has an obelisk—the Washington Monument—which is the tallest stone structure and tallest obelisk in the world.

Key Facts:

• Height: 555 feet (169 meters)
• Material: Marble, granite, and bluestone gneiss
• Construction: Began in 1848, paused during the Civil War, completed in 1884, opened in 1888
• Purpose: Built to honor George Washington, the first U.S. president
• Location: National Mall, Washington, D.C.

Origin and Design:

• Not imported from Egypt – unlike ancient Egyptian obelisks in cities like Paris, London, and New York, the Washington Monument is not an ancient Egyptian artifact.
• Inspired by Egypt – its shape was inspired by ancient Egyptian obelisks, which were typically erected to honor pharaohs and gods.
• Designed by Robert Mills, a prominent 19th-century architect.

Comparison with Other Famous Obelisks:

Obelisk Height Location Origin Washington Monument 555 ft (169 m) Washington, D.C. American-made Lateran Obelisk 105 ft (32 m) Rome, Italy Ancient Egypt (Karnak, 15th century BCE) Luxor Obelisk 75 ft (23 m) Paris, France Ancient Egypt (Luxor, ~13th century BCE) Cleopatra's Needle ~69 ft (21 m) London & New York Ancient Egypt (Heliopolis, ~15th century BCE)

Summary:

The Washington Monument is the largest obelisk in the world, but it is not ancient and was not brought from Egypt. It’s a modern structure, designed to echo the symbolism of Egyptian obelisks—strength, endurance, and reverence for leadership.

The Washington Monument in the United States was built in Washington, D.C., on the National Mall, near the west end of the Reflecting Pool, directly east of the Lincoln Memorial.

Timeline of Construction:

Event Date Design chosen (Robert Mills) 1836 Construction began July 4, 1848 Construction halted (Civil War) 1854 Construction resumed 1877 Completed December 6, 1884 Officially opened to public October 9, 1888

Funding Sources:

Private Donations (1830s–1850s):

• Initial funding came from public donations raised by the Washington National Monument Society, a private organization founded in 1833.

• Donations were collected from average citizens, schoolchildren, and even some foreign governments.

Congressional Appropriation (1876):

• After the Civil War, Congress took over the project and allocated $200,000 in 1876 (around $5 million today) to resume construction for the U.S. centennial.

• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, under Lt. Col. Thomas Lincoln Casey, took charge of completing it.

Summary:

• Location: National Mall, Washington, D.C.
• Construction Period: 1848–1884 (with a 23-year pause)
• Funded by:
• Private citizens and donors (Washington National Monument Society)
• U.S. Congress (post–Civil War funding, 1876)
• Designer: Robert Mills
• Purpose: Monument to honor George Washington

• Ancient Egypt. Obelisks were seen as sacred symbols of the sun god Ra and were closely associated with the pharaohs. They were erected as monumental structures to honor pharaohs and represent the connection between the human and divine realms. The pointed apex of the obelisk symbolized the rays of the sun, a celestial body closely linked to notions of life beyond death. 123
• Roman Empire. During the Roman Empire, obelisks became symbols of conquest and were frequently transported from Egypt to Rome as spoils of war. These ancient Egyptian obelisks were placed in prominent locations such as public squares and served as reminders of Rome’s power and influence. 13
• Modern obelisks. Modern obelisks are often oversized and are used as commemorative monuments. They are also used in surveying as boundary markers. 1
• Other cultures. Throughout history, obelisks have also been associated with concepts such as enlightenment, stability, and communication between dimensions. They are often seen as conduits of energy and sources of spiritual wisdom. 3

The USA Has the Largest Obelisk in the World

The Washington Monument in Washington, D.C.

• Height: 555 feet (169 meters)
• Material: Marble, granite, and bluestone gneiss
• Built: Completed in 1884, dedicated to George Washington

Significance: It is the tallest stone structure and tallest obelisk in the world.

Symbolism: Obelisk as a Phallic Symbol

• The obelisk originated in Ancient Egypt, where it was a sacred symbol associated with the sun god Ra.
• In esoteric traditions, obelisks are often interpreted as phallic symbols, representing male energy, fertility, or power.
• This symbolic association is particularly strong in Freemasonry, occult philosophies, and psychoanalytic interpretations (such as those by Freud, who often linked towering structures with subconscious phallic symbolism).
• The shape—tall, erect, tapering to a point—is visually and metaphorically suggestive of male genitalia in many cultures.

Summary:

• The Washington Monument is both the largest obelisk and a structure loaded with symbolic meaning.
• Whether seen as a tribute to a founding father, a solar symbol, or a hidden representation of masculine power, it reflects layers of cultural and historical interpretation.

Phallic symbols can be found in many cultures around the world.

Bhutan. During the Thimphu Tsechu festival, some dancers wear masks featuring big red noses and wield wooden penises.

Japan. In Komaki, a town in Japan, the Honensai festival features a giant wood carving of a penis, known as Youbutsu, which means “the male object.” During the festival, phallus-shaped souvenirs are also handed to people. In Kawasaki, the Kanamara Matsuri festival celebrates fertility, marriage, and protection against sexually transmitted infections. Attendees can expect to see giant phallus-shaped mikoshi (portable shrines) being paraded through the streets, along with various phallic-themed souvenirs and treats. 14

Greece. The Bourani festival, also known as “The Phallus Festival,” takes place during Kathara Deftera or Clean Monday, at the start of the Spring Season. The entire town is decorated with phallus-shaped things like wall ornaments, penis-shaped figures made of clay or wood, and even masks with penises protruding from them. 14

Thailand. In June 2021, the small town of Chachoengsao east of Bangkok erected a massive effigy of a penis at the end of a small village road. Just two days after the effigy was built, it started raining in the area. 1

Africa. In ancient Egypt, the city of Akhmim was renowned for its fertility rites dedicated to the god Min. These rites included processions, music, and rituals involving phallic symbols and imagery, all aimed at ensuring fertility, prosperity, and abundance for the community.

The “Father of the Country”

Washington was the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783).

He led the colonies to victory over the British and helped secure American independence.

The First President of the United States

He served two terms (1789–1797) and set critical precedents for the presidency, including peaceful transitions of power and declining a third term.

He was unanimously elected—twice—by the Electoral College.

A Symbol of Unity and Republican Virtue

At a time when many feared monarchy or tyranny, Washington was seen as a selfless leader who refused to seize power after the war.

• His voluntary resignation of military power in 1783 and his refusal of a kingship became legendary and earned international admiration.

A National Hero

• By the early 1800s, Washington was widely considered the ideal American citizen—courageous, humble, honorable.
• His legacy transcended party lines and made him a safe, unifying symbol in a politically divided young nation.

Why a Monument?

• The idea for a national monument began shortly after his death in 1799.
• In 1800, Congress proposed a mausoleum, but political and financial disagreements delayed action.
• The idea was revived by private citizens in the 1830s as part of a larger push to memorialize the republic's founding.
• The obelisk shape was chosen as a timeless symbol of strength, stability, and admiration—borrowing from ancient Egypt, but applied to an American icon.

In Summary:

George Washington was honored with the monument because he:

• Led the nation to independence
• Was its first and most respected president
• Modeled humility, sacrifice, and leadership
• Unified a divided nation in its early years

He wasn't just a founding father—he was the foundational figure of the American republic.

• Founding father”: A term used for the leaders who shaped and established the U.S. government—people like Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Franklin, etc.
• “Foundational figure”: A step further. It means he was the pillar, the person whose character, decisions, and leadership set the tone for everything that followed.

Why Washington is called the “foundational figure”:

• He led the military effort that made independence possible.
• He presided over the Constitutional Convention that created the U.S. Constitution.
• He became the first president, setting the tone for all future presidents.
• He refused power—choosing to return to private life rather than rule indefinitely, showing the world that the U.S. would not become a dictatorship.

Without Washington’s actions, leadership, and moral authority, the American republic might not have survived its early years.

So the phrase means:

He didn’t just help start the country—he was the very reason it stood firm.”

“Trust a snake before a Gypsy” -traditional Eastern European proverb

Thieves and Pickpockets

Slander: Romani people steal, beg, and live off of crime.

• Origin: This stereotype developed in the Middle Ages as Romani people, being outsiders without citizenship or land rights, often had to survive through informal labor, trade, or entertainment. Their nomadic lifestyle made them an easy scapegoat for unsolved crimes.
• Impact: Used to ban or expel Romani communities from cities and countries, especially in France, Germany, and Spain from the 15th to 18th centuries.

• Slavic countries, sayings such as:

“A Gypsy will steal the candle from the altar.”

Kidnappers of Children

Slander: "Gypsies steal white children."

• Origin: Folklore and medieval legends often accused Roma of abducting children. These were based in fear of outsiders and used to justify harsh punishment and execution.

• Example: In Spain, England, and Germany, 16th–18th-century pamphlets and plays portrayed "Gypsy women" as witches or child-snatchers.

• Reality: Many Romani children were taken away by governments, not the other way around—especially during the Nazi era and under assimilation policies in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe.

Liars and Deceivers

Slander: Romani people are natural-born liars, manipulators, and con artists.

• Origin: Because they often operated outside formal economies—doing trades like palm reading, metalworking, animal training—they were portrayed as “dishonest.”

• Impact: This stereotype was weaponized in law; for instance, England's 1530 “Egyptians Act” banned Romani for "crafty devices and subtle dealings."

Fortune-Tellers and Witches

Slander: Romani women were witches or supernatural seductresses.

Origin: Their unique appearance and customs, such as tarot reading or palmistry (often for income), made them targets of religious and sexualized fear.

Impact: Led to arrest, torture, and execution of Romani women in witch trials across Europe.

Unclean and Diseased

Slander: Romani camps spread disease, dirt, and plague.

Origin: Because Roma were forced to live on the outskirts of society, often without access to water or infrastructure, they were blamed for outbreaks and quarantined or burned out.

Modern Echo: This remains a justification for the destruction of Romani camps in France and Italy in recent decades.

Lazy and Parasites

Slander: Roma are unwilling to work and live off the state.

Origin: A 19th- and 20th-century slander that grew alongside nationalism and industrialization, when Roma were painted as “backward” or “unproductive.”

• Impact: Nazi Germany used this stereotype to justify sending Roma to forced labor and death camps.

Racially Inferior or Subhuman

Slander: Roma are a racially degenerate people with no culture.

• Origin: Fueled by scientific racism in the 19th and 20th centuries. Nazis categorized Roma as “asocials” or racial pollutants, leading to the genocide of 500,000 Roma in the Holocaust (the Porajmos).

• Impact: Still influences how Roma are excluded from European society today.

Devourers of Livestock or Vampires

Slander: In Eastern Europe, Roma were accused of stealing livestock, desecrating graves, or being linked to vampire folklore.

• Example: In Balkan legends, some stories accused Roma of dealing in sorcery or vampirism.

Summary Table

Slander Purpose/Impact Thieves & pickpockets Criminalized their economic survival, justified arrests and bans Child kidnappers Justified violence and stigma; reversed truth of state abductions Liars/deceivers Excused exploitation and denial of legal protections Fortune-tellers/witches Demonized Roma women; led to executions and persecution Unclean/disease carriers Used to destroy camps and bar settlement Lazy/parasitic Excused exclusion from jobs, schools, and housing Racially inferior Justified sterilization, segregation, and genocide Vampiric/livestock eaters Dehumanized and linked to folklore monsters

English Law – “Egyptians Act” (1530)

"Outlandish people calling themselves Egyptians... use great, subtle, and crafty means to deceive the people... and are to be avoided as idle and untrustworthy persons."
– Henry VIII's Parliament, England

• This act explicitly criminalized Romani presence in England and equated them with trickery and criminality. It was renewed in 1554 under Queen Mary, ordering their expulsion or hanging.

Miguel de Cervantes – Don Quixote (1605)

“A gypsy man or woman, young or old, is likely to be a thief by instinct and training.”
– Don Quixote, Part I, Chapter XLVII

• Cervantes portrayed gypsies with both admiration and suspicion, but reinforced the common slander that criminality was natural to their identity.

German Legal Code – Holy Roman Empire (1500s)

"Gypsies are robbers and spies... who steal, cheat, and live by deceit. They are to be banished or killed."
– Imperial Diet Orders, various from 1498–1545

• These decrees declared Romani as “vogelfrei” (outside the law), permitting anyone to kill them without penalty. They were accused of espionage, theft, and disturbing social order.

Victor Hugo – The Hunchback of Notre-Dame (1831)

“The gypsies are thieves and witches, feared for their knives and curses... The people say they dance for your money and stab you while you sleep.”

• Hugo reflects the public’s suspicion and fear of the Romani in 15th-century Paris. The character Esmeralda, portrayed sympathetically, is still assumed to be a thief and a witch by society.

Voltaire – Philosophical Dictionary (1764)

“They are called vagabonds in Europe, thieving bands who refuse to work and live by trickery.”

• Voltaire’s Philosophical Dictionary repeats stereotypes about the Romani as idle criminals, though he later calls for some tolerance.

French Police Records (19th Century)

“The Bohemians (Gypsies) are inveterate thieves, particularly fond of stealing silver and poultry, and teaching their children to do the same.”

• Police reports and internal memos in France during the 1800s systematically described Romani caravans as inherently criminal groups to be monitored and expelled.

Nazi Propaganda (1930s–40s)

“The Gypsy is a born criminal. He has no homeland, no morals, and no sense of responsibility. He must be sterilized and watched.”

• This false ideology underpinned the Nazi Porajmos (Romani Holocaust), where over 500,000 Roma were murdered. Criminality was racialized in propaganda films and Nazi scientific literature.

Eastern European Folklore & Proverbs

• In various Slavic countries, sayings such as:

“A Gypsy will steal the candle from the altar.”
“Trust a snake before a Gypsy.”

• These were not only common phrases but taught in rural families, passed down as "folk wisdom."

Summary of Accusers by Category

Who Spread the Slander? Examples Monarchs and Governments Henry VIII (England), Holy Roman Emperors, Nazi Germany Authors and Philosophers Cervantes, Voltaire, Victor Hugo Police and Legal Codes France, Germany, England (16th–19th c.) Religious and Cultural Institutions Catholic Spain, Protestant England Folk Culture & Proverbs Slavic, Balkan, and Western European sayings

CLASSICAL ISLAMIC SCHOLARS

Imam al-Shafi’i (d. 820 CE)

“Circumcision is obligatory (wājib) for both men and women.”
(Kitab al-Umm)

Al-Shafi’i, founder of the Shafi’i school, considered circumcision a legal obligation, based on prophetic tradition (Sunnah) and practice.

2. Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (d. 855 CE)

“Circumcision is more emphasized for males than females. It is obligatory for men.”
(Ahkam al-Qur’an)

• The Hanbali school holds that male circumcision is obligatory and links it to ritual purity.

Imam Abu Hanifa (d. 767 CE)

“Circumcision is Sunnah for men, not obligatory. If one leaves it, he is not sinful.”

• The Hanafi school, followed in places like Turkey, South Asia, and Central Asia, considers it recommended but not required.

Imam Malik (d. 795 CE)

“Circumcision is Sunnah Mu’akkadah (a strong prophetic tradition). It should not be delayed.”

• The Maliki school also strongly recommends circumcision, though not always categorizing it as fard (obligatory).

MODERN SCHOLARS AND FATWA COUNCILS Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi (1926–2022) – Egyptian scholar, Al-Azhar-trained

“Circumcision is obligatory for males in Islam, as it relates to the fitrah (natural disposition). It is part of completing one’s faith.”
(Fiqh of Muslim Minorities)

• Qaradawi emphasized conformity to the community and considered circumcision a clear religious duty.

Sheikh Ibn Baz (1912–1999) – Former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia

“Circumcision is part of the Sunan al-Fitrah and obligatory for Muslim males. It must be done to complete religious purification.”
(Fatwa Collection, Vol. 10)

• Strongly advocates male circumcision as non-negotiable under the Hanbali-Salafi view dominant in Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Zakir Naik – Indian Islamic preacher

“Circumcision is not mentioned in the Qur’an but is found in authentic Hadith. It is Sunnah and highly recommended. Not obligatory for converts, but better if done.”
(Lectures and Q&A Sessions)

• A more moderate, popular modern opinion, especially for Western converts.

HADITH QUOTES ON CIRCUMCISION

While the Qur’an is silent on circumcision, the Hadith literature (sayings of Prophet Muhammad) forms the main basis for the practice:

Sahih al-Bukhari (Book 65, Hadith 371)

“Five are the acts of fitrah: circumcision, shaving the pubic hair, cutting the nails, plucking the underarm hair, and trimming the moustache.”

Sahih Muslim (Hadith 257)

The Prophet said: “Ibrahim (Abraham) circumcised himself at the age of eighty.”

FATWA EXAMPLES ON UNCIRCUMCISED MUSLIMS Dar al-Ifta (Egypt’s Official Fatwa House)

“Circumcision is obligatory for Muslim males and should be performed in early childhood. A man who remains uncircumcised may still be Muslim, but his prayer is not complete in purity.”
(2011 fatwa)

Saudi Fatwa Committee (Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta)

“An uncircumcised man who refuses circumcision without valid reason is sinful and must not lead prayer. His lack of purity invalidates full participation in worship.”

SUMMARY School/Scholar View on Male Circumcision Notes Shafi’i Obligatory (wājib) Part of religious completeness Hanbali Obligatory Required for ritual purity Maliki Strongly recommended Part of fitrah Hanafi Recommended (Sunnah) Not sinful if avoided Salafi/Wahhabi (Ibn Baz) Obligatory Enforced as a rule in many states Modern (Zakir Naik) Recommended Optional for new converts

Neurological and Developmental Concerns

Altered Brain Response

Studies (e.g., using EEG and MRI) have shown that infants circumcised without anesthesia may have altered brain patterns associated with pain perception.

Heightened Pain Sensitivity

Later responses to routine vaccinations may be amplified in babies who underwent circumcision without adequate pain relief.

Psychological and Emotional Impact (Long-Term)

Infant Trauma and Memory

• While conscious memory may not form, early trauma is encoded somatically and neurologically.
• May contribute to heightened anxiety, mistrust, or altered attachment patterns later in life.

Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms (in some studies)

• Some circumcised males report symptoms akin to PTSD, especially when learning about their procedure later in life.

Body Integrity and Identity Issues

• Feelings of violation or loss; particularly among those who become aware of the procedure later.
• Some men express anger or grief over a decision made for them without consent.

Sexual Function and Sensation

Loss of Nerve Endings

• The foreskin contains tens of thousands of nerve endings, including Meissner's corpuscles (associated with fine-touch sensitivity).
• Circumcision removes this tissue permanently.

Decreased Glans Sensitivity Over Time

• The glans, once internal and moist, becomes external and keratinized (hardened) after circumcision, potentially reducing sensitivity.

Difficulty with Sexual Lubrication

• Loss of the foreskin can lead to reduced natural lubrication and reliance on artificial lubricants during intercourse.

Ethical and Consent Issues

Lack of Consent

• Performing permanent genital surgery on a non-consenting infant is a central criticism from human rights and bioethics advocates.

Legal and Cultural Conflicts

• Circumcision has sparked debates around religious freedom vs. bodily autonomy in countries like Germany, Denmark, and Iceland.

Social and Relational Issues

Stigma or Alienation

• Men circumcised in cultures where intact genitals are the norm (or vice versa) may feel isolated or self-conscious.

Relationship Impact

• Differences in sexual sensitivity or emotional responses to circumcision may affect intimacy and communication in relationships.

Summary

While circumcision is often performed for religious, cultural, or medical reasons, its potential harms—especially when done in infancy without consent—include:

• Physical complications
• Neurological and psychological trauma
• Loss of sexual function and sensation
• Ethical concerns over autonomy and bodily integrity

In most Muslim-majority countries, uncircumcised men are often heavily stigmatized, socially excluded, or pressured—sometimes violently—to conform. While the Qur'an does not explicitly mandate circumcision, it is considered a Sunnah (Prophetic tradition) and has become deeply embedded in Muslim identity, especially in Arab, South Asian, and North African cultures.

Here’s what typically happens to uncircumcised men in Muslim societies:

Social and Religious Pressure Viewed as "Unclean" or "Incomplete Muslims"

• Circumcision is often seen as essential to purity (ṭahārah) in Islam.

• An uncircumcised man may be seen as:

• Spiritually impure.
• Rebellious or disrespectful toward religious tradition.
• Not fully integrated into the Islamic ummah (community).

Barriers to Religious Participation

• Some Islamic schools of thought teach that uncircumcised men:

  • Cannot lead prayer, even in private.

  • May not be buried in Muslim cemeteries in some communities.

  • Are discouraged or barred from pilgrimage (Hajj/Umrah) by stricter interpretations.

Social Consequences Peer and Family Pressure

• Boys and men may face intense pressure from family members, especially elders.
• There may be mockery, bullying, or ostracism from peers during school, military service, or community events.

Marriage Rejection

• Uncircumcised men in Muslim societies may be:

• Considered unmarriageable.
• Labeled as dirty or undesirable by women or their families.

Female circumcision (FGM) also exists in some Muslim communities, often reinforcing gender-based control of bodies.

Coerced or Late Circumcision Forced or Pressured Circumcision in Adulthood

• Men who convert to Islam or return to the faith are often expected to get circumcised, even as adults.

  • In some cases, this happens under community pressure or threat of exclusion.

• There are also reports from certain regions (like Sudan, parts of Somalia, or rural Pakistan) where adult circumcisions are conducted in public ceremonies, sometimes as a humiliation ritual.

Children Circumcised Without Consent

• Boys in Muslim families are usually circumcised young (often between 7 days and 7 years).
• Refusing circumcision for one's child may lead to state intervention or community backlash.

Exceptions and Regional Variation Secular or Culturally Diverse Countries

• In secular Muslim-majority countries (e.g., Turkey, Bosnia, Albania, parts of Lebanon), uncircumcised men may face less stigma, though cultural pressure still exists.
• In mixed or minority Muslim communities (e.g., India, Ethiopia), there may be more leniency, but circumcision is still a key religious marker.

Western Muslim Converts

• Western male converts to Islam are often advised but not forced to get circumcised.
• Some Islamic scholars state it's recommended (mustahabb) rather than obligatory (fard).
• However, the expectation is strong, and some converts report community shunning or judgment for resisting it.

Summary: Is There Social Punishment?

Yes—in many Muslim societies:

• Uncircumcised men are shamed, rejected, or marginalized.
• Religious, cultural, and family pressure reinforces compliance.
• While some scholars debate whether it’s required, the lived reality is one of near-universal expectation.
• Men who resist may pay a high social cost unless they live in secular or pluralistic societies.

Immediate Physical Side Effects (Neonatal Period)

Pain and Stress Response

• Newborns experience intense pain during circumcision.
• Increases cortisol levels and stress hormone spikes.
• May alter pain sensitivity in the future.

Complications (Medical Risks)

• Bleeding
• Infection (including systemic infection)
• Improper healing or scarring
• Injury to the glans or urethra
• Partial or total loss of the penis (in rare cases)

Feeding and Sleep Disruption

Post-circumcision pain can interfere with early bonding, feeding, and sleep cycles.

Yes, many researchers, historians, and critics argue that circumcision serves as a form of control—of individuals, sexuality, and even entire populations. Here's a breakdown of how and why circumcision may function this way, and why so many countries (especially certain religious or political systems) continue the practice despite growing opposition:

Circumcision as Population Control Control of Male Sexuality

• The foreskin is one of the most sensitive parts of the male body. Removing it reduces penile sensitivity, which can:
• Blunt sexual pleasure and emotional bonding.
• Diminish a man's autonomous relationship to his body and desires.
• This can lead to less assertive or rebellious sexual behavior, which may be desirable for authoritarian cultures or religious systems.

Early Trauma and Psychological Conditioning

• Infant circumcision often involves extreme pain and trauma at a time when the brain is still forming.
• This can result in long-term changes to the nervous system, potentially leading to emotional dissociation, reduced empathy, or passive behavior.
• Early trauma can instill unconscious compliance, making people more submissive to authority later in life.

Symbol of Ownership

Circumcision marks the body permanently. In many traditions, it’s seen as a branding or initiation into a group or system (religious, national, or medical).

This is similar to tattoos for slaves, branding of cattle, or rites in cults/military units.

It signals, “Your body belongs to us first—not to you.”

Why Do So Many Countries Still Do It? 1. Religious Doctrine

In Judaism and Islam, circumcision is a covenant or commandment. Questioning it is often taboo.

Once embedded in religious law, it becomes self-perpetuating—passed from one generation to the next without question.

2. Colonial and Medical Influence

In the 19th and 20th centuries, circumcision was promoted in English-speaking countries (UK, USA, Australia) to:

“Prevent” masturbation, which was seen as sinful or dangerous.

Promote “cleanliness” in a moralistic and racialized way.

Medicalize a religious rite, repackaging it as hygiene and discipline.

Military and Institutional Conformity The U.S. military, for example, routinely circumcised recruits until the late 20th century.

This promoted uniformity, control, and desensitization, aligning with militarized values.

In some developing countries, circumcision campaigns are funded by Western NGOs under the banner of HIV prevention—despite disputed evidence and ethical concerns.

Pharmaceutical and Medical Industry Profit

In countries like the U.S., infant circumcision:

Generates millions in annual revenue from procedures, follow-up surgeries, and foreskin-derived products (used in cosmetics and research).

Provides harvested tissue without consent, used in biomedical industries.

Circumcision and Biopolitics

Philosopher Michel Foucault coined the term biopolitics—the way governments and institutions control populations through the body.

Circumcision is a clear example:

• It imposes values on bodies before individuals can resist.
• It creates biological compliance: muted sensation, early trauma, and loss of control over one’s most intimate part.
• It reinforces conformity within a society, religion, or state.

Summary: Is It About Control?

Yes, circumcision—especially infant circumcision—is deeply tied to control:

• Control of bodies
• Control of sexual experience
• Control of identity and conformity
• Control through trauma and submission

That’s why powerful institutions—religious, medical, military, and governmental—have historically promoted it. While framed as hygiene or tradition, the deeper function is often about owning and conditioning the male population from birth.

What is Sunnah?

Sunnah in Islam refers to the traditions and practices of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

A "Sunnah act" is not obligatory (fard) but is considered highly recommended and meritorious.

Circumcision in Islam

Male circumcision (khitan) is considered an important rite in Islam.

It is seen as a fitrah (natural practice) and is often religiously, hygienically, and culturally encouraged.

7th Day Tradition

According to some hadiths and classical scholars, circumcising a boy on the 7th day after birth is considered ideal.

However, there is no fixed required day in Islamic law. Timing can vary:

Some Muslims perform it on the 7th day following the example of the Prophet.

Others may wait weeks, months, or even until puberty depending on family, region, or health considerations.

Comparison with Judaism

In Judaism, circumcision (brit milah) is also performed on the 8th day, unless medically delayed.

This similarity may reflect shared Abrahamic roots, but the Islamic practice is not bound to the 8th day, and is more flexible.

Historical Timeline of Circumcision Origins

Ancient Egypt (~2400 BCE):
Tomb paintings at Saqqara show circumcision. Likely for ritual purity, priesthood, or elite identity. Documented in the Ebers Papyrus.

Sub-Saharan Africa (Prehistoric):
Practiced by many tribal groups as a rite of passage into adulthood.

Semitic Peoples (Pre-Judaism):
Early Semitic tribes likely practiced circumcision prior to Jewish codification.

Jewish Circumcision

Textual Origin: Genesis 17:10–14

Date: ~1800–1500 BCE

Timing: 8th day after birth (brit milah)

Purpose: Sign of covenant with God

Legacy: Made circumcision a mandatory and sacred rite, passed down through generations.

Islamic Circumcision

Adopted in the 7th century CE.

Not explicitly mentioned in the Qur’an, but based on hadith.

Viewed as part of cleanliness (fitrah).

Became near-universal in Muslim communities globally.

Other Independent Practices

Oceania (Aboriginal Australians, Pacific Islanders)

Native Americans
Circumcision was part of initiation or coming-of-age ceremonies.

Cultural Summary Before 1000 BCE

Group Practiced Circumcision? Purpose Egyptians ✅ Yes (~2400 BCE) Religious/purity Africans (tribal) ✅ Yes (prehistoric) Initiation/manhood Semitic Tribes ✅ Yes Identity/cleanliness Jews ✅ Yes (~1800 BCE) Divine covenant Others (Oceania, etc) ✅ Yes (independently) Rite of passage

Did Circumcision Spread Over Time?

Yes. Circumcision spread in different historical phases due to religion, medicine, colonization, and public health.

Key Phases in the Global Spread

Prehistoric Tribal Societies (Before 3000 BCE)
Independent practices in Africa, Oceania.
Purpose: tribal identity, purification, initiation.

Ancient Near East (2500–1500 BCE)
Egyptians, Semitic tribes.
Jews formalized it as a divine covenant (~1800 BCE).

Classical Antiquity (1000 BCE–500 CE)
Greeks and Romans rejected it.
Jews preserved the rite despite persecution.
Christianity rejected it for salvation.

Islamic Expansion (7th Century CE onward)
Spread rapidly across Africa, Middle East, South Asia, and Indonesia.
Viewed as purification (fitrah).

Traditional African Rites (Pre- and Post-Islamic)
Cultural and religious layers of circumcision persisted and expanded.

Western Medicalization (19th–20th Century)
UK and U.S. adopted for moral and health reasons.
Linked to preventing masturbation, STIs.
U.S. normalized newborn circumcision post-WWII.

Public Health Campaigns (21st Century)
WHO/UNAIDS promoted circumcision to reduce HIV transmission.
Led to mass campaigns in Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Tanzania.

Global Trends by Era

Era Circumcision Trend Prehistory Local tribal rituals Ancient World Common in Egypt, Semitic cultures Classical Era Jewish practice; rejected by Hellenistic societies Islamic Rise Mass expansion throughout Islamic world 19th Century Western medicalization 20th Century U.S. institutionalization; decline in Europe 21st Century HIV prevention drives expansion in Africa

Conclusion

Jews did not invent circumcision—it existed in Egypt and tribal Africa before ~1800 BCE.

Judaism institutionalized it as a covenantal act tied to identity and faith.

Islam universalized it across large swaths of the globe post-7th century.

Western medicine and public health further expanded or reduced its practice depending on context.

Modern trends show both rising rates (in Africa, for HIV prevention) and declining rates (in Europe and parts of North America).

Circumcision's global history is non-linear, shaped by shifting forces of religion, medicine, empire, and social norms.

The partitioning of the Middle East—primarily after the fall of the Ottoman Empire following World War I—had deep and lasting effects on Islamic religions, societies, and political dynamics. While Islam as a faith was not partitioned, the political division of Muslim lands by European powers created artificial national boundaries that severely disrupted Islamic unity, authority structures, and religious cohesion.

Collapse of the Caliphate (1924)

Background: The Ottoman Sultan had served as Caliph, or symbolic leader of the global Muslim community (Ummah), since the 16th century.

Impact:

With the Ottoman Empire dismantled, the Caliphate was formally abolished by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in Turkey (1924).

This left Sunni Muslims worldwide without a central religious-political authority.

Sparked various Islamist movements seeking to restore Islamic unity or establish Islamic states (e.g., Muslim Brotherhood, Hizb ut-Tahrir).

European-Imposed Borders (Sykes-Picot Agreement, 1916)

Colonial Powers: Britain and France divided Ottoman Arab lands into new states with borders ignoring tribal, ethnic, and sectarian lines.

Impact on Islam:

Sunni-Shia Divide: The borders often forced Sunni and Shia communities into new artificial states (e.g., Iraq, Lebanon), igniting sectarian tensions that persist today.

Weakening of Islamic Identity: Nationalism (Arab, Turkish, Persian) often replaced religious identity as the organizing principle of society.

Fragmentation of the Ummah: Muslim-majority regions were isolated from one another politically and administratively, breaking the cohesion of the global Islamic community.

Rise of Secular Regimes

Installed or Supported by Western Powers: Many new governments (e.g., in Turkey, Egypt, Iran pre-1979) adopted secular constitutions.

Impact:

Religious scholars (ulama) lost political power.

Islamic law (Sharia) was sidelined or abolished in favor of Western legal systems.

Created a divide between secular elites and religious populations, setting the stage for future political-religious conflicts.

Sectarian Manipulation by Colonial Powers

Divide and Rule Tactics:

In Iraq, Britain empowered the Sunni minority over the Shia majority.

In Lebanon, France institutionalized sectarianism in government (e.g., Maronite president, Sunni PM, Shia speaker).

Impact:

Deepened sectarian resentment.

Encouraged the politicization of Islamic sects.

Planted seeds for future civil wars, coups, and insurgencies.

Creation of Israel (1948)

Impact on Islam and Muslims:

Seen as a betrayal by Western powers, especially Britain (via the Balfour Declaration).

Caused the displacement of Muslim Palestinians and wars with Muslim-majority neighbors.

Energized Islamic solidarity movements and later Islamism as a reaction to perceived Western aggression and loss of Muslim lands.

Islamic Revivalism and Extremism (20th Century Onward)

Reactionary Movements:

Movements like Wahhabism (Saudi Arabia), Muslim Brotherhood (Egypt), and later Salafism, were fueled by the loss of Islamic authority and the imposition of Western systems.

The vacuum left by the Caliphate’s fall and Western domination inspired calls to return to “pure Islam.”

Result:

Rise of political Islam.

Increased Sunni-Shia tension.

Growth of jihadist ideologies in response to foreign domination.

Ongoing Effects

Sectarian Conflict: Sunni-Shia rivalries (e.g., Saudi Arabia vs. Iran) dominate regional politics.

Religious Repression and Backlash: Authoritarian regimes often suppress Islamists, leading to cycles of radicalization and repression.

Crisis of Authority: Competing clerics, ideologies, and power centers with no single religious leader recognized across the Islamic world.

Conclusion

The partitioning of the Middle East fractured the Islamic world politically, disrupted religious authority structures, and laid the groundwork for sectarianism, extremism, and identity crises. While Islam as a religion persisted, its political and social frameworks were undermined by colonial intervention and the artificial creation of states.

The rise or intensification of male circumcision practices in the Islamic world after the partitioning of the Middle East (post-WWI) was less about a new adoption of the practice—since circumcision (khitan) was already well-established in Islam—and more about its growing symbolic and political importance in response to colonialism, secularism, and identity crises.

Here’s how the partition may have indirectly contributed to an increase in the prominence, ritualization, and even medicalization of circumcision in Muslim societies:

Reinforcement of Islamic Identity under Colonial Pressure

After European powers carved up Muslim-majority regions (via mandates and protectorates), local populations often reasserted Islamic practices—including circumcision—as markers of religious and cultural identity.

Circumcision became a visible, communal reaffirmation of belonging to the Ummah (Islamic community) in a time when political unity had been stripped away.

Examples:

In Algeria, under French rule, circumcision ceremonies became acts of cultural resistance and a rite of defiance against French attempts at assimilation.

In Palestine, Iraq, Egypt, and other British/French-controlled territories, traditional Islamic practices were emphasized by families and local leaders as a form of cultural preservation.

Rise of Islamic Revivalism (1930s–1970s)

Following the fall of the Caliphate (1924) and the rise of secular Arab nationalism, groups like the Muslim Brotherhood (1928) began promoting Islamic values and rituals—including circumcision—as part of re-Islamizing society.

As governments like Turkey (under Atatürk) banned Islamic dress, Sharia, and Arabic script, private religious acts like circumcision grew in symbolic weight, especially in more conservative or rural populations.

Circumcision as a Rite of Male Maturity and Resistance

• In response to Western cultural encroachment, circumcision rituals were often celebrated publicly, reaffirming masculinity, piety, and belonging.
• In some countries, mass circumcision ceremonies grew more common post-partition, sometimes sponsored by religious institutions or charities, especially in poor communities.

Medicalization and Institutionalization

As Western medical systems spread in colonial and post-colonial states, circumcision gradually became integrated into hospital procedures—still driven by religious obligation but now with state or NGO involvement.

Some post-independence Muslim governments (e.g., Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan) promoted circumcision within public health frameworks, sometimes with religious overtones.

Sunni–Shia Divergences Post-Partition

The sectarian boundaries sharpened post-partition also influenced circumcision practices and timing:

• Sunni Muslims usually circumcise boys at younger ages (infancy to early childhood).
• Shia Muslims, especially in Iran and southern Iraq, often circumcise boys between ages 7–10.

These differences became more visible as sectarian identity solidified in nation-states like Iraq, Lebanon, and Bahrain—sometimes politicizing the act of circumcision.

Demographic Expansion + Urbanization

As Muslim populations boomed in the mid-20th century, and rural populations migrated to cities, more families began accessing organized circumcision services, including government-sponsored or mosque-sponsored clinics.

In countries like Turkey, Egypt, and Indonesia, urban mass circumcision events (often with Islamic and nationalist symbolism) became increasingly prominent from the 1950s–1980s.

Conclusion

Circumcision was always part of Islam, but after the Middle East was partitioned, its symbolic power increased. It became a marker of Islamic identity in the face of colonialism, secularization, and national fragmentation. The practice evolved:

From private ritual → to cultural resistance

From traditional medicine → to medicalized public rites

From quiet tradition → to overt reaffirmation of religious belonging

Countries and Territories in which the Prevalence of Male Circumcision is Above 99%

Country
% of Men Who Are Circumcised

Morocco
99.9%

Palestine
99.9%

Afghanistan
99.8%

Tunisia
99.8%

Iran
99.7%

Western Sahara
99.6%

Comoros
99.4%

Mauritania
99.2%

Gabon
99.2%

Yemen
99%

A 2016 study titled “Estimation of country-specific and global prevalence of male circumcision” compared data for circumcised mature males in 237 countries and territories around the world. 12 countries (listed above) tallied circumcision rates higher than 99%, while more than fifty additional countries posted rates of less than 99%.

[Full global list of circumcision rates as provided above follows.]

High Circumcision Countries by Population Size (80%+ prevalence)

Indonesia (~275M)
Pakistan (~240M)
Bangladesh (~170M)
Nigeria (~220M)
Egypt (~110M)
Iran (~85M)
Turkey (~85M)
Ethiopia (~125M)
Philippines (~115M)

Regional Circumcision Prevalence and Key Factors

Middle East & North Africa

Near-universal circumcision due to Islamic and Jewish religious practices.

Country
Circumcision Rate
Reasons

Saudi Arabia
~100%
Religious (Islam)

Iran
~100%
Religious (Islam)

Turkey
~99%
Religious (Islam), also state-endorsed

Iraq
~100%
Religious

Israel
~98%
Religious (Jewish + Muslim populations)

Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia
~98%
Muslim tradition

Asia

Country
Circumcision Rate
Reasons

Indonesia
~90–95%
Religious (largest Muslim population globally)

Malaysia
~95%
Religious (Muslim); some Buddhist groups

Pakistan
~100%
Religious (Islam)

Bangladesh
~90–95%
Religious (Islam)

Philippines
~90%
Cultural (rite of passage; Catholic majority)

South Korea
~60–70%
U.S. influence post-WWII; medical reasons

India
~13% overall
~100% among Muslims; some tribal groups

United States & Canada

Country
Circumcision Rate
Reasons

United States
~70% (newborns); declining
Medical/hygiene, not religious; varies by region

Canada
~30%
Hygiene; rate declining

Europe

Mostly non-circumcising, except among Muslims and Jews. Some legal challenges or bans.

Country
Circumcision Rate
Notes

UK, France, Germany
<20%
Mostly among Muslims and Jews

Scandinavia
<5%
Ongoing legal and ethical debates

Russia
~12%
Higher among North Caucasus Muslims

Latin America & Caribbean

Very low circumcision rates, primarily among Jewish or Muslim minorities.

Origins of Circumcision: Pre-Jewish Practices

Circumcision predates Judaism and originated independently in several ancient societies.

Historical Timeline of Circumcision Origins

Ancient Egypt (~2400 BCE):
Tomb paintings at Saqqara show circumcision. Likely for ritual purity, priesthood, or elite identity. Documented in the Ebers Papyrus.

Sub-Saharan Africa (Prehistoric):
Practiced by many tribal groups as a rite of passage into adulthood.

Semitic Peoples (Pre-Judaism):
Early Semitic tribes likely practiced circumcision prior to Jewish codification.

Jewish Circumcision

Textual Origin: Genesis 17:10–14
Date: ~1800–1500 BCE
Timing: 8th day after birth (brit milah)
Purpose: Sign of covenant with God
Legacy: Made circumcision a mandatory and sacred rite, passed down through generations.

Islamic Circumcision

Adopted in the 7th century CE.
Not explicitly mentioned in the Qur’an, but based on hadith.
Viewed as part of cleanliness (fitrah).
Became near-universal in Muslim communities globally.

Other Independent Practices

Oceania (Aboriginal Australians, Pacific Islanders)
Native Americans
Circumcision was part of initiation or coming-of-age ceremonies.

Cultural Summary Before 1000 BCE

Group
Practiced Circumcision?
Purpose

Egyptians
Yes (~2400 BCE)
Religious/purity

Africans (tribal)
Yes (prehistoric)
Initiation/manhood

Semitic Tribes
Yes
Identity/cleanliness

Jews
Yes (~1800 BCE)
Divine covenant

Others (Oceania, etc.)
Yes (independently)
Rite of passage

Did Circumcision Spread Over Time?

Yes. Circumcision spread in different historical phases due to religion, medicine, colonization, and public health.

Key Phases in the Global Spread

Prehistoric Tribal Societies (Before 3000 BCE)
Independent practices in Africa, Oceania.
Purpose: tribal identity, purification, initiation.

Ancient Near East (2500–1500 BCE)
Egyptians, Semitic tribes.
Jews formalized it as a divine covenant (~1800 BCE).

Classical Antiquity (1000 BCE–500 CE)
Greeks and Romans rejected it.
Jews preserved the rite despite persecution.
Christianity rejected it for salvation.

Islamic Expansion (7th Century CE onward)
Spread rapidly across Africa, Middle East, South Asia, and Indonesia.
Viewed as purification (fitrah).

Traditional African Rites (Pre- and Post-Islamic)
Cultural and religious layers of circumcision persisted and expanded.

Western Medicalization (19th–20th Century)
UK and U.S. adopted for moral and health reasons.
Linked to preventing masturbation, STIs.
U.S. normalized newborn circumcision post-WWII.

Public Health Campaigns (21st Century)
WHO/UNAIDS promoted circumcision to reduce HIV transmission.
Led to mass campaigns in Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Tanzania.

Global Trends by Era

Era
Circumcision Trend

Prehistory
Local tribal rituals

Ancient World
Common in Egypt, Semitic cultures

Classical Era
Jewish practice; rejected by Hellenistic societies

Islamic Rise
Mass expansion throughout Islamic world

19th Century
Western medicalization

20th Century
U.S. institutionalization; decline in Europe

21st Century
HIV prevention drives expansion in Africa

Immediate Physical Side Effects (Neonatal Period)

Pain and Stress Response
Newborns experience intense pain during circumcision.
Increases cortisol levels and stress hormone spikes.
May alter pain sensitivity in the future.

Complications (Medical Risks)
Bleeding
Infection (including systemic infection)
Improper healing or scarring
Injury to the glans or urethra
Partial or total loss of the penis (in rare cases)

Feeding and Sleep Disruption
Post-circumcision pain can interfere with early bonding, feeding, and sleep cycles.

Neurological and Developmental Concerns

Altered Brain Response
Studies (e.g., using EEG and MRI) have shown that infants circumcised without anesthesia may have altered brain patterns associated with pain perception.

Heightened Pain Sensitivity
Later responses to routine vaccinations may be amplified in babies who underwent circumcision without adequate pain relief.

Psychological and Emotional Impact (Long-Term)

Infant Trauma and Memory
While conscious memory may not form, early trauma is encoded somatically and neurologically.
May contribute to heightened anxiety, mistrust, or altered attachment patterns later in life.

Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms (in some studies)
Some circumcised males report symptoms akin to PTSD, especially when learning about their procedure later in life.

Body Integrity and Identity Issues
Feelings of violation or loss; particularly among those who become aware of the procedure later.
Some men express anger or grief over a decision made for them without consent.

Sexual Function and Sensation

Loss of Nerve Endings
The foreskin contains tens of thousands of nerve endings, including Meissner's corpuscles (associated with fine-touch sensitivity).
Circumcision removes this tissue permanently.

Decreased Glans Sensitivity Over Time
The glans, once internal and moist, becomes external and keratinized (hardened) after circumcision, potentially reducing sensitivity.

Difficulty with Sexual Lubrication
Loss of the foreskin can lead to reduced natural lubrication and reliance on artificial lubricants during intercourse.

Ethical and Consent Issues

Lack of Consent
Performing permanent genital surgery on a non-consenting infant is a central criticism from human rights and bioethics advocates.

Legal and Cultural Conflicts
Circumcision has sparked debates around religious freedom vs. bodily autonomy in countries like Germany, Denmark, and Iceland.

Social and Relational Issues

Stigma or Alienation
Men circumcised in cultures where intact genitals are the norm (or vice versa) may feel isolated or self-conscious.

Relationship Impact
Differences in sexual sensitivity or emotional responses to circumcision may affect intimacy and communication in relationships.

Summary

While circumcision is often performed for religious, cultural, or medical reasons, its potential harms—especially when done in infancy without consent—include:

Physical complications
Neurological and psychological trauma
Loss of sexual function and sensation
Ethical concerns over autonomy and bodily integrity

Old Testament (Hebrew Bible / Tanakh)

Origin: Covenant with Abraham

Genesis 17:10–14

• God commands Abraham to circumcise himself and all male descendants.
• Circumcision becomes the sign of the covenant between God and the people of Israel.
• Required on the 8th day after birth for every male.
• Uncircumcised males are to be “cut off” from the people (Genesis 17:14).

“This is My covenant, which you shall keep… Every male among you shall be circumcised.” – Genesis 17:10

Law of Moses

Leviticus 12:3

• Reaffirms circumcision on the 8th day.
• It is part of Jewish law and ritual purity.

Spiritualized in the Prophets

Deuteronomy 10:16, Jeremiah 4:4

• Emphasize “circumcision of the heart”, meaning obedience and internal devotion—not just physical ritual.

“Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer.” – Deuteronomy 10:16

New Testament

Jesus and Circumcision

• Jesus was circumcised on the 8th day (Luke 2:21) according to Jewish law.

Paul’s Teachings: Faith Over Flesh

• The Apostle Paul challenged circumcision as a requirement for salvation, especially for Gentile (non-Jewish) converts.

• Romans 2:28–29, Galatians 5:2–6, Philippians 3:2–3

• Paul promotes the idea of "circumcision of the heart" by the Spirit.

• He argues that faith in Christ is what matters—not rituals like circumcision.

“For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation.” – Galatians 6:15

Summary of Biblical Perspective

Aspect Old Testament New Testament Covenantal Sign Required (Genesis 17) Not required (Galatians 5) Spiritual Meaning Later emphasized (Jeremiah) Centralized: circumcision of heart Jesus Circumcised? Yes (Luke 2:21) Yes, as per Jewish tradition Paul’s View External rite has no saving power Salvation through faith, not ritual Mainstream Christian Beliefs on Circumcision Today Not Required for Salvation (Most Christians)

• Most Christian denominations teach that physical circumcision is not required.
• This belief is based on New Testament teachings, especially from Paul (e.g., Galatians 5, Romans 2).
• The emphasis is on spiritual transformation, or "circumcision of the heart."

“Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is faith expressing itself through love.” – Galatians 5:6

Denominational Views Evangelical / Protestant

• Generally see circumcision as irrelevant spiritually.
• Some may oppose infant circumcision on ethical or non-biblical grounds.
• Others may accept it culturally or medically, especially in the U.S., where it's common.

Catholic Church

• The Catechism does not promote or require circumcision.
• In fact, Pope Pius XII once stated it is morally permissible only for hygienic or medical reasons, not religious ones.
• The Church emphasizes baptism as the new covenantal sign replacing circumcision.

Eastern Orthodox

• Strongly emphasize spiritual meaning over physical ritual.
• View circumcision as part of the old covenant, replaced by baptism and Eucharist.

Messianic Jews

• These are Jewish Christians who may continue the practice culturally.
• Some Messianic groups circumcise for tradition, but not as a requirement for salvation.

Medical vs Religious Context

• In many Western countries (especially the U.S.), circumcision is still done for medical or cultural reasons, not religious.
• In Europe, Latin America, and Orthodox Christian nations, routine infant circumcision is rare and often viewed skeptically.

Controversy Within Christianity

• Some Christians, especially in “Hebrew Roots” or fringe movements, promote circumcision, claiming the Law still applies.
• Others (especially in Christian ethics or human rights movements) oppose infant circumcision, calling it unbiblical, harmful, or non-consensual.

Summary Group / Tradition View on Circumcision Evangelical Protestants Not required; often neutral or cultural Catholics Not required; medical only Eastern Orthodox Not practiced; replaced by baptism Messianic Jews Sometimes practiced culturally, not theologically required Christian fringe groups Some insist on Torah observance including circumcision Medical Christians Acceptable if medically beneficial, not religious