In Jewish religious tradition infant male circumcision is required as part of Abraham's covenant with God. In biblical times the mother performed the ceremony. Modern Jews employ a mohel, a man who has the requisite surgical skill and religious knowledge. After a ritual prayer, the mohel circumcises the infant and then names and blesses the child. Among the Arabs circumcision existed before the time of Muhammad.
Some Islamic peoples practice female circumcision.
This is done for aesthetic reasons and to reduce the female's sexual desires. Circumcision is absent from the Hindu-Buddhist and Confucian traditions, and in general the Christian church has no specific doctrine about it. At present the Abyssinian church alone among Christian bodies recognizes circumcision as a religious rite. Some have asked if boys are embarrassed when they are circumcised post-infancy. This of, course, greatly depends upon the culture.