Sunnot Toi (Circumcision)

Last week my uncle had his son circumcised in the hospital. Circumcision is mostly followed with some sort of family reunion or sometimes grows into a big "toi", which is a big party for relatives, neighbors and friends. But also the word “toi” when translated directly means “get full” or “fill up your belly.”
Almost every time boys get circumcised on their pre-school ages. Guests bring all sort of gifts and mostly give money to comfort the kid.
This time I invited Nikias to our family reunion. Nikias is a German volunteer in Kyrgyzstan and we worked at the Jazz Festival together. I though it would be an interesting cultural experience for him. In the end, he enjoyed his time with my family, though he had to constantly answer to some serious and funny questions from my relatives.

Circumcision is a really old tradition and I believe it was introduced to people of Central Asia together with Islam. Circumcision was widely practiced in the Egypt, Middle East, Turkey and India since middle ages (http://www.roxanefarabi.com/Culture/Circumcision%20in%20Islam.htm). It was practiced primarily for the religious reasons. It is said that Prophet Muhammad (SAV) has introduced circumcision to Islam; moreover it was believed that Muhammad himself was circumcised from birth. Circumcision in Islam represents the cleanness and commitment to religion, and it is noted that circumcision is a conversion into a Musulman and adulthood.

According to those who are against it, circumcision is cruel and inhumane. I think it was fair to say it in the past. The modern medical procedure shows that it fast-healing procedure. My nephew, who has been circumcised 5 days ago, is now on his feet and plays with his friends.
And also one of the ladies, who had had her two sons circumcised, comments that she has never met a man who regrets about the fact that he was circumcised.

Here are some benefits of the circumcision that I found at http://www.medicirc.org/
1. Prevents urinary tract infections(UTI) throughout life, most importantly in infancy
2. Prevents HIV/AIDS infection and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
3. Prevent cervical cancer in female partners of uncircumcised men
4. Prevents cancer of the penis
5. Prevents infected/unretractable foreskin and penile skin disease
6. Promotes Lifetime ease of cleanliness
7. Women's sexual preference Overall medical summary statement. Medicial proof of circumcision benefits.