Female genital mutilation (FGM) definitely tops the list for being the worst kind of wrong done to women to date. In the course of my research on this subject, the cases I have come across have left me stunned and sick to my stomach. No other form of degradation compares to MGF. What I also find troubling is how the practice is associated/attributed with Islam/Islamic practice, and in particular by people like Christopher Hitchens and Ayaan Ali Hersi.

How could it be that God could order (or encourage through Islamic teaching) such an unjust act? First of all, it is important to note that the simplistic FGM label fails to differentiate between the different types of cuts. Not all forms of this practice have the same procedure and do not have such terrible consequences, which can then be labeled as mutilation. Therefore, perhaps a more accurate term would be female circumcision. Take, for example, labiaplasty, which has become very popular in the West. This procedure is just one of an endless list of body enhancement options available to women. That is, along with breast augmentation, buttock augmentation, and toe surgery (yes, even toes haven’t been spared the rigorous procedures required to achieve ‘perfection’). What is labiaplasty? Cosmetic labiaplasty (labia minora reduction surgery) consists of surgically reducing and/or reshaping the external female genital structures (genital lips). There are several reasons why an increasing number of women are requesting this procedure. For many women, they simply want to enhance or improve the appearance of “butterfly” or asymmetrical lips. “Feeling good about how you look often builds self-confidence and self-esteem,” says a plastic surgery website.

It is important to note that female circumcision is not a phenomenon restricted to Muslim communities, nor is it restricted, more generally, to any ethnic, religious, or socioeconomic class in society. Female circumcision has been practiced for centuries in various ancient cultures. For example, Egyptian mummies were found to have been circumcised as early as 200 B.C. Interestingly, and less well known, a form of female circumcision was promoted among teenage girls in Britain and the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was seen as a cure for lesbian practices or suspected masturbation, hysteria, epilepsy, and nervousness. Currently, the practice is most prevalent in African countries such as Nigeria, Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya, Egypt, Ghana, and also in parts of the Middle East. As for religious adherence, the practice is carried out not only by Muslims but also by followers of different religions such as Christians (Catholics, Protestants and Copts) and animists.

“The Koran does not refer to any form of FGM or minor procedures.”

There are three main types of FGM. First, the removal of the tip of the clitoris. Second, the total removal of the clitoris and surrounding labia. Third, the most severe form, in which all the external genitalia are removed and the vaginal opening is sewn almost closed: only a small opening remains for urine and menstrual blood.

Is this an Islamic practice? The answer is a definite no. It is more of a cultural practice. It just so happens that actions that are done for purely cultural reasons, over time, acquire an Islamic justification: FGM is no different. In Islam, an act will only be considered Islamic if it has a basis in the Quran, the divine words of Allah-SWT) and the Sunnah, understood as hadith, which are the deeds, words or statements of approval of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) . Like any other issue that requires a clear Islamic verdict, it is necessary to refer to these fundamental sources to establish whether there is any evidence to support the sanction of the practice of FGM. The traditions (sunnah) of the Prophet (PBUH), which are well documented, should indicate whether or not there are authentic or relevant traditions that can be used to support the practice.

The Qur’an does not refer to any form of FGM or minor procedures. There are also no implied Sunnah commands to support such a practice. There are, however, narratives that mention female circumcision. These narrations are considered weak (related to the weak nature of their transmission that makes them devoid of legal value). Those who argue that FGM/C has an Islamic basis often do so on the basis that the following hadith establishes it as part of the Sunnah or Tradition of the Prophet:

‘Um Atiyyat al-Ansariyyah: A woman used to perform circumcision in Medina. The Prophet (pbuh) said to her: “O Umm ‘Atiyyah! Trim, but do not trim, because this is brighter for (the girl’s) face and more favorable for her husband.”

At first glance, it may seem that this practice was ordered/encouraged by the Prophet. However, Prophet Muhammad came across a woman who was going to proceed with circumcision anyway, all he did was suggest that she remove a smaller amount of genitalia than originally intended and in doing so avoid excessive measures. . There is no command here to perform any form of female circumcision, that is, unlike male circumcision, where a direct request to do so is explicit in other Qur’anic narrations/texts.

In a hadith narrated by Abu Hureira (RA), the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) said: “Whenever a man becomes a Muslim, he must be circumcised.”

Even if it were argued that trimming has Islamic value as it is mentioned in the hadith, it does not necessarily follow that Islam allows what is considered FGM. To make the leap from this to the abhorrent practice of female genital mutilation is too big a leap. The most that can be inferred from this hadith is clipping, which is commonly known as Labiaplasty in the West (and not clipping, which is involved in FGM).

“One common point persists; they are mostly based on ignorance and superstition.”

So if Islam does not legitimize this practice, what are the reasons why it is carried out? A study in Nigeria by the World Health Organization found that women within the Igbos tribe believe that FGM makes them more feminine and therefore more attractive to men. Social study of the organization in other African communities established that the practice is believed to raise the social status of families and generate income when daughters marry and dowries are paid. Behind the illusion of ‘Islamic practice’ we clearly see that the overwhelming factor for its justification is cultural influence and traditions, social acceptance within the community, ensuring chastity and fidelity by attenuating sexual desire. The reasons may vary from one culture to another, but a common characteristic persists; they are mainly based on ignorance and superstition.

Advocates of the practice argue that if a woman’s genitals are not cut off, she will be sexually uncontrollable and sexually hyperactive, thus cutting ensures that women remain chaste. In some cultures, the practice is believed to enhance love as girls are taught how to sexually satisfy a man (enhance a woman’s sexuality) and other marriage rituals that ‘bond’ a marriage. It is also a way for a woman to achieve recognition and economic security through marriage and motherhood. Female genital mutilation is also often a prerequisite to qualify for the wife. Therefore, the practice grants women economic and social protection. In addition, female genital mutilation is also believed to enhance women’s sexuality by creating “dry sex,” which provides more pleasurable sex for men. This dryness is achieved through the use of certain herbs and ingredients that reduce vaginal fluids and increase friction during intercourse, which is achieved through the use of the fourth (unclassified) type of FGM. It is understood that men love dry sex and if a woman is wet, they think that it is not normal.

Whether a practice is not Islamic and is simply permitted (mubah), may or may not be carried out, remains the choice of the individual. If it is prohibited, i.e. Haram, which we can substantiate from the Qur’an and Sunnah, then we can inductively conclude that FGM is prohibited. Female genital mutilation can cause numerous physical complications, including bleeding and severe pain, which can lead to shock and even death. Long-term complications resulting from interference with the drainage of urine and menstrual blood can occur, such as infertility, chronic urinary tract infections, or kidney damage. Kidney damage is caused by a recurring infection of the urinary tract, which leads to infections of the bladder and ureters. Infections can spread to the pelvic girdle, causing chronic infections of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. FGM increases the problems associated with childbirth. Severe forms of mutilation cause partial or total occlusion of the vaginal opening, labor can be prolonged or obstructed, which can lead to fetal and maternal death.

The Qur’an states in sura 2, verse 195 “…do not contribute to your destruction with your own hands…” This verse is generally understood to prohibit suicide and other forms of self-harm. Some jurists use this verse to argue that smoking is prohibited because it harms the body. Female genital mutilation is far in comparison.

Also, Prophet Moahmmed (pbuh) said: “Do not inflict harm on yourself.”

Furthermore, it can be argued that this practice is prohibited as mutilated genitalia reduce/eliminate a woman’s pleasure during sexual intercourse. It is well known in Islamic tradition that men are not allowed to finish having sex until the woman is satisfied. So how can an act that interferes with this process be allowed if it eliminates a woman’s sexual pleasure?

In light of the above, it seems like a huge mistake to connect FGM with Islam/Islamic practice. In fact, there are good reasons to argue that female circumcision (Labiaplasty) is not valued in Islam. FGM, in my opinion, amounts to a reflection of entrenched inequality between the sexes and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women. It is a practice that violates women’s rights to health, safety and physical integrity. Such an act is similar to the cruel and evil pre-Islamic practice against women of burying their daughter alive. The Prophet Muhammad vehemently opposed and attacked this practice. Just as burying the daughter alive was an axiom of pre-Islamic society and the Prophet attacked this, so too must the evil cultural practice of female genital mutilation be condemned and combated today.

Taken from: http://www.adamdeen.com/articles/english/english-muslims-issues/30-english-muslims-issues/93-does-allah-order-female-genital-mutilation-