Why Female Circumcision is a violation of progressive Islam

Female circumcision, also known as khafd or female genital mutilation (FGM), is a harmful practice that involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia. It is a practice that is prevalent in many cultures and communities, particularly in Africa and some parts of Asia, and is often justified on cultural or religious grounds. United Nations has classified FGM as a human rights violation. There have been reports of some communities practicing female circumcision in India, however, it is important to note that FGM has no basis in Islam and is considered an un-Islamic and undesirable practice.

Islam places great emphasis on the protection of human life and the preservation of human dignity, and any practice that causes harm or violates these principles is considered unlawful or haram. There is no mention of FGM in the Quran, which is the primary source of Islamic teachings, nor is there any evidence that it was practiced by the Prophet Muhammad or his companions. In fact, Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of preserving the natural anatomy of the body and avoiding any harm to oneself or others.

For example, the Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said: “There should be no harming or reciprocating harm” (Sunan Ibn Majah). This hadith highlights the importance of avoiding any actions that cause harm to oneself or others, including harmful cultural practices such as FGM. It also emphasizes the principle of reciprocity, which means that one should not do to others what one would not like done to oneself.

FGM is a harmful and invasive practice that violates the rights and dignity of girls and women. It can cause serious physical and psychological harm, including pain, bleeding, infection, and sexual dysfunction. It has no health benefits and is considered an unnecessary and harmful practice by many health experts and human rights organizations.

Islamic scholars and organizations around the world have spoken out against FGM and emphasized that it has no basis in Islam. The Islamic Fiqh Academy, a body of Islamic scholars and jurists, has issued a fatwa or religious ruling declaring that FGM is a harmful and un-Islamic practice that should be banned. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation has also issued a statement condemning FGM and calling for its eradication.

The spiritual leader of the Dawoodi Bohra, Mufaddal Saifuddin, has also stated that Muslims should respect the law of the land and refrain from carrying out female circumcision in countries where it is prohibited.

In conclusion, FGM is an un-Islamic and undesirable practice that has no basis in Islam. It violates the principles of human dignity, bodily integrity, and social justice that are central to Islamic ethics. It is essential that Muslims, particularly religious leaders and scholars, speak out against FGM and educate their communities about its harms and illegality. A vast majority of Muslims in India have rejected this practice and it remains limited to certain African countries now. There is ample scope for reform in Islam and practices of the dark ages that were rooted in the culture of that age need to be shunned. Hadith have been mis-interpreted to justify FGM and thus it is the responsibility of Islamic scholars to put the issue in its correct context. In 2015 a Writ Petition was filed with the Supreme Court of India but the matter was referred to a larger Constitutional Bench which is yet to hear the case. Also the Indian penal Code does not recognize FGM as a crime and thus such complaints can be filed under the Section 326 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt) which entails imprisonment of upto ten years but still does not recognize the severity of this crime.

It is time for the government to make a law to end this menace and at the same time Muslim community across the world must come forward to end this harmful practice and protect the health and well-being of girls and women.

(Dr. Shomaila Warsi is Assistant Professor Politics and International Relations, Kirori Mal College, Delhi University. Views are personal)