Circumcision is an important ritual performed by every Muslim. It is a rite of passage for Muslim boys to begin their journey into adulthood. Furthermore, this ritual surgery is in line with the Prophet’s Sunnah; the preservation of human health from any disease.
Guests and UTAR staff with participants
In addressing this matter, a total of 17 academics and five students from UTAR Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) in collaboration with Persatuan Kasih Insan Masyarakat Negeri Perak and Klinik Redza organised a mass circumcision ceremony titled “Becoming a matured youngster, are you ready?.” Aligned with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 17: Partnerships to Achieve the Goal, the ceremony took place on 10 December 2022 at Dewan Terbuka Parit and Klinik Redza, Parit, Perak. The community outreach programme was also supported by Perak Tengah District Council, Parit Fire and Rescue station, Persatuan Belia India Muslim Negeri Perak and D Parit Café.
Children involved in the circumcision rite
The programme aimed to educate youngsters about physical hygiene; form a sense of responsibility among youngsters through physical and spiritual cleansing; support B40 families by reducing the cost of circumcision and instil a sense of responsibility among UTAR staff.
Young boys getting drenched with water before the circumcision ceremony
Led by UTAR FBF academic Sharmeela Banu binti Syed AbuThahir, the programme benefited some 50 youngsters from B40 families in the Parit area; between the age of five to 12. Also present at the ceremony were Perak State Executive Council Khairudin bin Abu Hanipah, Persatuan Kasih Insan Masyarakat Negeri Perak Secretary Tuan Sathiq bin Samsudeen, Perak Tengah District Council Secretary Tuan Mohd Ainurridha bin Ahmad Majdi, Parit Fire and Rescue Station Leader Nor Hakimah Syazwani binti Mohamed and Dr Mohd Redza bin Abdul Salam from Klinik Redza.
(Clockwise, from top left): Khairudin, Sathiq, Mohd Ainurridha, Nor Hakimah and Dr Mohd Redza receiving the token of appreciation from Sharmeela Banu
UTAR academics and students were involved in handling the registration, preparing packed meals for participants and attendees and preparing goodie bags for the participants. In addition, UTAR staff also delivered a motivational talk and played board games or puzzles with the participants to reduce their fear and nervousness while waiting for their turn.
UTAR staff and students preparing goodie bags
Children having fun playing games while waiting for their turn to be circumcised
Overall, this programme was an absolute success. It bridged a healthy relationship between UTARians and the local community.
(Top) Khairudin with UTAR staff; (below) group photo of UTAR staff
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