Christianity
Islam
Judaism
Hinduism
Buddhism
Circumcision & Initiation Rites
Entry into a religious community is often marked by a physical or ritual initiation. Circumcision in Judaism and Islam, baptism in Christianity, the sacred thread in Hinduism, and refuge-taking in Buddhism all signify a transition into covenant or communal belonging.
Across the World's Religions
Christianity
- Practice
- Baptism — initiation into the body of Christ
- Key Text
- Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4
Islam
- Practice
- Khitan (circumcision) and Shahada (declaration of faith)
- Key Text
- Quran 2:124; Hadith (Bukhari 5889)
Judaism
- Practice
- Brit Milah — circumcision on the 8th day
- Key Text
- Genesis 17:10-14; Leviticus 12:3
Hinduism
- Practice
- Upanayana — sacred thread ceremony (initiation into learning)
- Key Text
- Manusmriti 2.36; Chandogya Upanishad 4.4
Buddhism
- Practice
- Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem — formal entry into Buddhism
- Key Text
- Khuddakapatha 1; DN 31 (Sigalovada Sutta)