Does Islam support FGM?

In a Nutshell: Islam does not support Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The Quran and authentic teachings of Prophet Muhammad (saw) promote preserving bodily integrity and avoiding harm. FGM carries health risks and violates the Islamic principle of respecting bodily autonomy. Table of ContentsIntroduction Background and Context Evidences Analysis of FGM and Islam Misconceptions about FGM and Islam Objections and Responses FAQs about FGM and Islam Conclusion Introduction Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a harmful practice involving the partial or total removal of external female genitalia. It is a global concern, affecting millions of girls and women. This answer explores the Islamic perspective on FGM, examining relevant Quranic verses, hadiths and scholarly opinions. Evidences Quranic Verses Islam emphasizes the importance of preserving the human body and avoiding causing harm. The Quran states: "And do not kill yourselves [or each other]. Surely God is ever Merciful to you."(Quran 4:29) Hadith Analysis: Some hadiths mention circumcision, but these primarily refer to male circumcision, a distinct practice encouraged in Islam. There are weak narrations mentioning female circumcision, but scholars have deemed them unreliable due to weak chains of transmission. Scholars' Opinions: Prominent Islamic jurists from various schools of thought have condemned FGM. They emphasize that the Prophet (saw) never instructed it and it contradicts Islamic principles of preserving health and bodily integrity. FGM and Islam Historical and Cultural Factors: FGM likely predates Islam and may be rooted in cultural practices. Islam does not endorse harmful cultural customs that contradict its core values. The Difference Between Male and Female Circumcision: Male circumcision involves a minor removal of foreskin, serving a distinct hygienic purpose. FGM encompasses various procedures with severe health consequences. Theologically, they are not comparable. The Importance of Consent: Islam stresses the importance of consent in all matters. FGM performed on minors violates this principle and inflicts unnecessary pain and suffering. Health Risks of FGM: FGM can cause severe health complications including infections, bleeding and long-term sexual and urinary problems. It is a violation of Islamic principles that prioritize well-being. Misconceptions about FGM and Islam Several misconceptions surround FGM and its link to Islam. Here, we address two common ones:FGM is obligatory for Muslim girls. There is no basis for this claim in the Quran or authentic hadiths. The vast majority of Islamic scholars condemn FGM, emphasizing that it is not mandatory and can be harmful.FGM promotes chastity or reduces sexual desire. This misconception has no basis in Islamic teachings. Islam promotes chastity through moral guidance and self-control, not through physical alteration. The Quran emphasizes modesty and respectful behavior for both men and women. "Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Allah is Knowing of what you do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not to expose their adornment except that which appears thereof and to draw their headcovers over their chests and not to expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, their brothers' sons, their sisters' sons, their womenfolk, their slaves, or [male] attendants who have no sexual desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of womanhood."(Quran 24:30-31) FGM can have the opposite effect, causing physical and psychological trauma that can negatively impact a woman's sexual health and well-being. Objections and Responses Here, we address two potential objections regarding FGM and Islam:Some Hadiths seem to support FGM. A few weak hadiths mention practices resembling FGM. However, scholars have meticulously evaluated these narrations and deemed them unreliable due to weak chains of transmission or ambiguous wording. Islamic jurisprudence prioritizes authentic and well-established hadiths and these weak narrations do not hold weight against the clear emphasis on preserving bodily integrity in the Quran and stronger hadiths.FGM is a deeply ingrained cultural tradition. Cultural traditions can evolve over time. Islam encourages positive cultural practices but discourages those that conflict with its core principles. FGM is a harmful practice with no basis in Islamic scripture and Islamic teachings promote prioritizing well-being and respecting the human body. FAQs about FGM and Islam Here are some frequently asked questions regarding FGM and Islam:What can I do to discourage FGM in my community? Educate yourself and others about the Islamic perspective on FGM. Advocate for girls' rights and bodily autonomy. Support organizations working to end FGM.How can I respond to people who justify FGM with religion? Direct them to reliable Islamic resources that condemn FGM. Explain the importance of following authentic Islamic teachings and prioritizing well-being.Are there any Islamic alternatives to FGM? There are no Islamically sanctioned alternatives to FGM. Islam promotes healthy practices that respect the human body and prioritize girls' well-being. FAQs about FGM and Islam (Continued)Does Islam discourage discussing or seeking medical help for the effects of FGM? Absolutely not. Islam encourages seeking medical treatment for any health condition. Women who have undergone FGM should seek qualified medical care to address any physical or psychological consequences.Are there resources to support women who have undergone FGM? Yes, several organizations offer support and guidance to women affected by FGM. These organizations often provide medical assistance, counseling and legal support. Conclusion Islam emphatically does not support Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). While cultural origins may be complex, FGM contradicts numerous Islamic principles, including preserving bodily integrity, avoiding harm, promoting well-being and respecting individual autonomy. FGM causes severe physical and psychological harm and is an egregious violation of girls' and women's rights. Authentic Quranic verses, reliable hadiths and scholarly consensus condemn FGM. Misconceptions connecting FGM to Islam are misguided interpretations and harmful practices that contradict the essence of Islamic teachings. As a community, Muslims have a responsibility to raise awareness about FGM, educate those within their influence about its irrelevance to Islam, advocate for policies and initiatives that protect girls and champion practices in line with true Islamic principles. ReferencesDe-linking Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting from Islam - UNFPA: https://www.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/De-linking%20FGM%20from%20Islam%20final%20report.pdf Female circumcision debate: A muslim surgeon's perspective - US National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8260090/ Islam must never be used to justify FGM - Islamic Relief: https://islamic-relief.org/news/islam-must-never-be-used-to-justify-fgm/ Religious views on female genital mutilation - Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_views_on_female_genital_mutilation Important If you or someone you know has been affected by FGM, please seek help and support from qualified organizations within your community.