The history of female circumcision, also known as female genital mutilation (FGM), has been traced back as far as the second century BC, when a geographer, Agatharchides of Cnidus, wrote about female circumcision as it occurred among tribes residing on the western coast of the Red Sea (now modern day Egypt). Based on current geographic locations of FGM, the practices seems to have originated in Egypt and has spread south and west.
Some believe that female circumcision was rooted in the Pharaonic belief in the bisexuality of the gods. According to this belief, mortals reflected this trait of the gods; every individual possessed both a male and a female soul. The feminine soul of the man was located in the prepuce of the penis; the masculine soul of the woman was located in the clitoris. For healthy gender development, the female soul had to be excised from the man and the male soul from the woman. Circumcision was thus essential for boys to become men and girls to become women.
Prior to the rise of Islam, Egyptians once raided territories to the south for slaves, and Sudanic slaves were exported to areas along the Persian Gulf. Reports from the 15th and 16th centuries suggest that female slaves were sold at a higher price if they were ''sewn up" in a way that made them unable to give birth. After the region converted to Islam, this practice was no longer possible because Islam prohibits Muslims from enslaving others of their own religious beliefs.
Is female genital mutilation an Islamic practice?
Sheikh Talib, Dean of the Faculty of Shariah of Al Azhar, March 2005: "All practices of female circumcision and mutilation are crimes and have no relationship with Islam."
Ten of the highest ranked scholars from all over the world met at the Azhar University under the patronage of the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Prof. Dr. Ali Goma'a. After listening to several international physicians, they made the sensational decision to classify the custom of female genital mutilation (FGM) as punishable aggression and a crime against humanity. As a result, the custom can no longer be practiced by Muslims.
So why does the practice of female circumcision linger in so many countries?
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Flight
The first step is to set a good example, and not force males into circumcision. Then a consistent message can be sent: mutilating -any- child's genitals is wrong.
2 - Muslim sister
I am a 30 year old British born nurse. I met and married an Egyptian doctor several years ago, lived in Egypt for several years and converted to Islam and underwent female circumcision. I have no regrets.
Firstly I want to dispel any myths about what it is. It is NOT infibulation - that's something which occurs only in Sub-Saharan Africa and is strictly forbidden by Islam.
Where female circumcision is practiced (and that is in Muslim countries from North Africa, through the Middle East to the Far East) female circumcision can be described as either of two forms - partial circumcision, where part or all of the clitoris and inner
labia are removed or full circumcision where the labia majora are also removed.
The only stitches put in are to surture the cuts made during the circumcision - and definitely NOT for the purpose of narrowing the vaginal opening.
Secondly, under Islam, all operations (including circumcisions!) must be carried out under medical conditions by qualified personel and using an anaesthetic where appropriate.
There is no more reason for somebody in Egypt to go to a "back-street"
circumciser than somebody in the West has cause to go to a "back-street" abortionist.
Neither is there anything barbaric about female circumcision. The authorities in the West know perfectly well that STRICTLY SPEAKING IN MEDICAL TERMS, partial female circumcision is a more minor procedure than male circumcision. Where the cuts are made, there are fewer nerves or blood vessels cut than in male circumcision. Complications
are almost non-existent. Even in the case of full circumcision complications are hardly greater than in male circumcision. This information is widely known in countries that practice female circumcision, but it is deliberately supressed by the West - whether
you want to call it cultural imperialism, political correctness or just plain old bigotry against those of different beliefs or religion is up to you.
Thirdly, the reasons for female circumcision are also deliberately misrepresented by the West. Female circumcision IS permitted under Islam and since the West has banned it, this is an attack on our religion. In the past female circumcision was considered optional, but many (both ordinary people and religious scholars) now think that it
should be mandatory because of the West's anti-Islamic predjudice.
The West also deliberately supresses the medical information relating to the benefits of female circumcision. Particularly in the case of Egypt where due to Western pressure its practice was banned for many years - but then permitted again some years ago - substantial
comparative data has been gathered. [While female circumcision was banned it nevertheless continued to be practiced, although admittedly under less than perfect conditions - and this was one of the reasons why the Egyptian government lifted the ban].
Within a few years of the ban being lifted, female circumcison rates shot up from 90% in the countryside and 50% in the cities to 97% throughout the country. It could be clearly seen from the data that, in the case of full female circumcision, genito-urinary tract
infections were reduced to about 10% of their level in previously uncircumcised women. Even when only partial circumcisions were performed, there was still some preventative benefit.
Also, and very importantly, births amongst circumcised women were found to be easier. This is exactly the opposite of what the Western "Feminist" and "Human Rights" groups would have you believe. With external genital tissue already removed, there was far less need for
episiotomies. Caesarain births were reduced. Labour is generally shorter and easier in circumcised women and healing of the birth canal and the surrounding region much easier.
Fourthly, another of the great myths put about by Western anti-female
circumcision groups is that it stops a woman from enjoying sex. Nothing could be further from the truth. Female circumcision does remove unwanted and unintentional arousal, there is no doubt about
that, but until you have undergone female circumcision you can't be aware of just how much involuntary (and completely unneeded) arousal occurs because of previously unnoticed rubbing or pressure on your genitals.
Many women in Egypt who have been initially partially circumcised have opted for full circumcision because in day-to-day life it brings about
a very profound feeling of contentment, calmness and satisfaction. You are completely freed from sexual thoughts, you can have no idea how liberating that feels. It is like removing an itch that you cannot scratch. There is no feeling of loss - specifically because the very thing that caused you to desire sex all the time has been removed. Do not believe the myth that sexual arousal is all in the mind.
So if arousal is removed, doesn't that mean sex is less enjoyable? It is exactly the opposite! Intercourse is far more pleasurable because the whole of the sexual act is made spiritual in nature and focuses entirely on intercourse with your husband. Do circumcised women still enjoy orgasms? OF COURSE THEY DO! With no external genital tissue in the way, penetration is deeper and more satisfying and with all
sensation coming only from penetration, the resulting vaginal orgasim is deeply intense in a way that an uncircumcised woman could not understand.
Fifthly, there is also a great deal of hypocrisy from the West, particularly in regard to plastic surgery. How can it be OK for Western women to have breast surgery, nose jobs or (dangerous) lipo-suction - all in the name of aesthetics, but it's not OK for a Muslim woman to change her body?
Sixth, it is well known in countries as far afield as Indonesia and Malasyia to Egypt, that girls who have been circumcised do better in school and university. How can it be that the West claims to champion women's rights but tries to deny Muslim girls the right to a better education, something that is closely correlated with the practice of
female circumcision in Muslim countries?
And finally what of the myth that female circumcision is dying out. Well the West can stick its head in the sand if it likes. It certianly suits us. Of course, if the various "feminist", "human rights" and anti-female circumcision groups in the West were forced to confront the actual figures, then it might help expose the rest of their lies about female circumcision to their deceived populations.
Even the Western estimates acknowledge that as many as 200 million Muslim women have been circumcised world wide. They know that the number is growing both as the Muslim population grows and as access to better medical facilities allows it to be carried out by a greater proportion of the Muslim population. In some countries like Egypt,
Malasia and Indonesia female circumcision is almost 100%. [Just think, if any of you go on holiday to Egypt all the women you pass (including any female doctors and nurses) have undergone either partial or full female circumcision. How is it that they can be happy with their lifes and seek to continue the practice in what is obviously an open, friendly and civilised country if they weren't happy with being circumcised?]
Its practice is now also spreading to other Muslims from
countries like Pakistan, Northern India and Bangladesh - often it is now being found amongst Muslims who have settled in the West. I ask you this question, if a religious practice of yours was banned, do you think you would be more or less likely to continue with its practice?
It is only because of Muslims natural reluctance to talk openly about sex and because of the deliberate suppression of information from Muslim countries - including interviews with medical staff and Muslim women and who have been circumcised who argue strongly for
3 - AMEENA
I was circumcised when I was 11 years old at home by a barber. It was terribly painful and was crying loudly and radio was put on full blast to avoid my screams being heard.
I was a shy smart girl and was not in favour of circumcision. In our family we all brothers and sisters were allowed to watch each others circumsision. I had watched my elder sisters circumcision as she wanted me by her side she was 14 years - was shaved first and two of our close relatives held her legs and hands and first her ineer lips were cut by the barber she cried loudly but when cutting the clit she strugled to stop it but was done after restraining her. Hence, i told my mother I do not wish to undergo this ritual and I will run away to my uncle in Cairo. One day when I was 11 years old my mother told me that we will go out to relatives house in the evening hence all shuld have bath I was the last one to bath and when I went to the room to dress from there I was brought for circumcision without any clothes on I was just growing breast and small hairs on my pubic and was laid on the table a piece of wood and pillow was laid under my buttock and I was very angry. Then the barber was getting ready and asked me to raise my legs and open my thighs - I would not do this and every one started telling it is purification and I must undergo it. I told them they cut my inner lips not clit. Finally two of my relatives forcibly raised my legs my thighs wide open which pained me very much. I was crying at the same time looking at the barber he first cut my inner lips and then grabed my clit with his thumb and finger at this time I shouted at the top of my voice not to cut it and struggled to get free but was overcome and clit was cut at tis time at the base it was very painful moment and passed out. It took a month to heal. Also, my brothers were ritually circumcised and all the shaft skin was removed and when healed the whole shaft was pink. During this time the music was on and I received presents from relatives and they enjoyed the party and I was in pain.
4 - Sam
muslim sister:
Thank you for your very detailed explanation.
If you are from Egypt, you must know the importance of the al Azhar University, the premier Islamic institution in the world. As stated in my post, Dr Talib of Al- Azhar has himself stated that FGM is no longer permitted in Islam.
That said, I sympathise with your beliefs. Figures show that over 90% of Egyptian women practice circumcision, which would indicate that it is deeply rooted in the culture and overrides other more recent concerns.
5 - RAISANA
Three months ago, 22 year old medical student Najwa Khasmera Abdullah decided to have herself circumcised.
Female circumcision was banned in Egypt in 1998. As a result, many young women of Najwa's age did not recieve circumcision at the age they were normally have it, around 15 or so.
However, in the past few years, the ban started to lose its grip, due to pressure from religious leaders. " Uncircumcised women have strong lust and often commit adultery, just like western women. The government made a mistake by banning it. We Egyptians should not be pressured by the western countries. We need to keep our women chaste" a religious leader stated.
" A lot of my friends are getting it done. My sister and cousins too. We didn't get circumcised when younger because it was banned, but now I'm glad I'm finally circumcised" Najwa said.
Her claims were confirmed by Dr. Yasmina Shamir, who runs a circumcision clinic and also performed Najwa's circumcicion. " I circumcise more adult patients lately, sometimes 10 young women a day. Mostly of Najwa's age. "They didn't get circumcised when younger because of the ban. But when they want to get married, usually the men demands that the women must be circumcised before marriage."
Being a medical student, Najwa is completely aware of the female anatomy and the function of the clitoris, which is removed during circumcision " I think circumcision is good for women. I know the clitoris can bring pleasure, but it is also a great temptation for women. It's best to remove it. Women don't need their clitoris for marriage and having children anyway." She said
"I don't agree with girls being circumcised by untrained village midwife with unsterile razor. That's why I chose to have my circumcision done by a doctor" Najwa said while showing her preserved clitoris in a jar.
"Female circumcision is a very minor and safe surgery under modern medical supervision. The wound is even smaller than that of male circumcision" Dr. Shamir stated. She also stated that female circumcision procedure done by trained doctors has become increasingly affordable even by poor families. Some Islamic Foundation or Mosque even routinely provide free circumcision for the poor, both males and females.
Well, old habit die hard, people say. Looks like Egyptian women are not going to let themselves go wild like their western sisters.
__________________________________________________
6 - Sam
According to an Egyptian I met, to them it is on par with a woman with unshaved underarms.
7 - Christopher Rose
It is also a well known fact that removing people's brains will eradicate stupidity, so let's force everyone to have their brains removed in order to reduce the incidence of utter foolishness and belief in superstition, which are clearly major health and social hazards.
8 - ostrova
Well, some peeps must be scared out of their little old minds about what's going on between women's legs, huh?
Oh yeah. I have to throw up now.
9 - Aber Sabeel
I have studied Islam at a university whose curriculum was mostly taken from Al Azhar. I am also teaching Islamic studies at some Western Catholic universities.
First of all, I must explain I agree with the point that female circumcision is not obligatory in Islam, and that it is actually a pre-Islamic practice that is not only practiced in some Muslim countries, but also by many non-Muslim African nations. It is for this reason that it would be almost impossible to eradicate this practice altogether.
Second, in reality, not all Al Azhar scholars are against the female circumcision. There was an answer to the "official declaration" by many members of the Al Azhar scholars, and they proved that one cannot say that it is totally prohibited in Islam.
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, told a woman who used to circumcise girls: "If you are going to do it, then do not do it excessively.". What can be derived from this is:
- The practice existed before Islam and was common among Arabs.
- The wording of what the Prophet said in this Hadith means that he neither favored it nor rejected it. I think he was faced with the same situation that governments face today: It's deeply rooted in the culture and you cannot eliminated just by issuing a law.
- Still the wording means that the Prophet asked that this practice not deprive women from enjoying marital relations totally.
- The same Hadith is a proof that the Prophet was aware of the practice but did not prohibit it altogether. so nobody can come later and prohibit it in the name of Islam.
I am personally against this practice and would wonder why would someone consider it part of the "ritual" of converting to islam, with due respect of course. However, aside from being against it, as a Muslim academic I cannot accept the claim that it can be prohibited on the basis of Islamic teachings. I think that as a cultural practice that exists in hot-climate countries one cannot force people to stop this practice, but rather have it under control and allow it to be only done under medical attention. Otherwise, people will continue to practice it in clandestine places, and this would create a lot of damage. An important step can be also promoting awareness campaigns that could change the culture gradually.
Another point, I've seen someone's comment about prohibiting male circumcision and call it wrong. For your information this has protected both males and females from many diseases because it allows better hygiene. Statistics prove that it's more difficult to spread sexually-transmitted diseases when the men are circumcised.
wassalam.
10 - Lisa
The INFO Project has a website, called End Violence Against Women, that has a page dedicated to FGM/C. This website is a great resource because it contains the latest research, program reports, and multimedia materials on a variety of topics under issues of violence against women. Currently, there are over 1,000 materials on Female Genital Cutting and over 200 on FGC and Human Rights.
Lisa
11 - Ruvy in Jerusalem
Aber,
I read your comment and fundamentally agree.
Shalom
12 - saima
Medical benefits of female circumcision
Question:
Could you explain me what is the medical benefit of girl’s circumcision?.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Just as Allaah has created mankind, He has also guided them that which is best suited to their interests in this world and in the Hereafter, so He sent them Messengers and revealed Books to guide mankind to what is good and urge them to follow it, and to teach them what is evil and warn them against it.
Islam may enjoin or forbid something and the people " or most of them " may not be able to see the wisdom behind this command or prohibition. In that case we are obliged to obey the command or heed the prohibition and to have certain faith that the laws of Allaah are all good, even if we cannot see the wisdom behind them.
Circumcision is one of the Sunnahs of the fitrah, as is indicated by the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): "The fitrah is five things " or five things are part of the fitrah " circumcision, shaving the pubes, plucking the armpit hairs, cutting the nails, and trimming the moustache." narrated by al-Bukhaari (5889) and Muslim (257).
Undoubtedly with regard to the Sunnahs of the fitrah, some of the wisdom behind them is obvious, and that includes circumcision. There are clear benefits to it which we should pay attention to and understand the wisdom behind it.
In the answer to question no. 9412 we have discussed circumcision, how it is to be done and the ruling on it. In the answer to question no. 7073 we have explained the health and shar’i benefits of circumcision for males.
Circumcision is prescribed for both males and females. The correct view is that circumcision is obligatory for males and that it is one of the symbols of Islam, and that circumcision of women is mustahabb but not obligatory.
There are reports in the Sunnah which indicate that circumcision for women is prescribed in Islam. In Madeenah there was a woman who circumcised women and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to her: “Do not go to the extreme in cutting; that is better for the woman and more liked by the husband.” Narrated by Abu Dawood (5271), classed as saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.
Female circumcision has not been prescribed for no reason, rather there is wisdom behind it and it brings many benefits.
Mentioning some of these benefits, Dr. Haamid al-Ghawaabi says:
The secretions of the labia minora accumulate in uncircumcised women and turn rancid, so they develop an unpleasant odour which may lead to infections of the vagina or urethra. I have seen many cases of sickness caused by the lack of circumcision.
Circumcision reduces excessive sensitivity of the clitoris which may cause it to increase in size to 3 centimeters when aroused, which is very annoying to the husband, especially at the time of intercourse.
Another benefit of circumcision is that it prevents stimulation of the clitoris which makes it grow large in such a manner that it causes pain.
Circumcision prevents spasms of the clitoris which are a kind of inflammation.
Circumcision reduces excessive sexual desire.
Then Dr al-Ghawaabi refutes those who claim that female circumcision leads to frigidity by noting:
Frigidity has many causes, and this claim is not based on any sound statistics comparing circumcised women with uncircumcised women, except in the case of Pharaonic circumcision which is where the clitoris is excised completely. This does in fact lead to frigidity but it is contrary to the kind of circumcision enjoined by the Prophet of mercy (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) when he said: “Do not destroy” i.e., do not uproot or excise. This alone is evidence that speaks for itself, because medicine at that time knew very little about this sensitive organ (the clitoris) and its nerves.
From Liwa’ al-Islam magazine, issue 8 and 10; article entitled Khitaan al-Banaat (circumcision of girls).
The female gynaecologist Sitt al-Banaat Khaalid says in an article entitled Khitaan al-Banaat Ru’yah Sihhiyyah (Female circumcision from a health point of view):
For us in the Muslim world female circumcision is, above all else, obedience to Islam, which means acting in accordance with the fitrah and following the Sunnah which encourages it. We all know the dimensions of Islam, and that everything in it must be good in all aspects, including health aspects. If the benefits are not apparent now, they will become known in the future, as has happened with regard to male circumcision " the world now knows its benefits and it has become widespread among all nations despite the opposition of some groups.
Then she mentioned some of the health benefits of female circumcision and said:
It takes away excessive libido from women
It prevents unpleasant odours which result from foul secretions beneath the prepuce.
It reduces the incidence of urinary tract infections
It reduces the incidence of infections of the reproductive system.
In the book on Traditions that affect the health of women and children, which was published by the World Health Organization in 1979 it says:
With regard to the type of female circumcision which involves removal of the prepuce of the clitoris, which is similar to male circumcision, no harmful health effects have been noted
13 - Australian muslim girl
I like female circumcision
am from Australia and married to a Muslim. I had always wanted to be circumcised but was too afraid. I was cirumcised (amputation of cliroris and labia) a few months before the wedding at his family's insistence. I am glad that I had it done, even though it was very painful. It was done by a medical doctor from Egypt who specialises in female circumcision and who visits Australia to do circumcisions twice a year.
I attended counselling at the muslim womens clinic (where the circumcision took place) and I was given information about the circumcision that would be performed. I spoke to other converts who like me who were going through conversion and circumcisions. I found most women preferred complete amputation of the clitoris and labia for hygiene, happiness and comfort.
I was taken to the clinic by my mother in law and was given several injections in the clitoral and labia area before the operation which only dulled the pain a little. The doctor then cut the hood away in two parts and then removed the rest of the clitoris and cut the labia away in two parts. I then had 4 sutures and there was quite a bit of bleeding, but it was a beautiful experience.
I fully understand why circumcision has survived in muslim culture and why so many young muslim girls are proud to be circumcised. I think if it had been my decision I would never have done it and so I am grateful to my mother in law for arranging it and insisting that it be done before the wedding.
In muslim culture female circumcision is viewed in a very positive way and every young cirumcised girl that I have spoken to is always so pleased they have had the operation, it is really something that they look forward to. I would gladly do it again in a moment.
I am involved with other converts (from a western background like me) who are comtemplating circumcision and I do readily encourage it, the only thing I do not actively encourage is infibulation although I would never discourage a women from that choice either. I work with women from east african backgrounds and they seem to have many health problems, although it must be said that women who are infibulated by proper medical staff in proper medical conditions don't seem to have too many problems.
However, women in Australia need to travel to muslim countries overseas for infibulation as it usually involves a stay in hospital. I know of two western converts who have been infibulated and they have no regrets at all, although childbirth was not easy for them.
My husband is very insistent that should we have daughters then they will be circumcised between the ages of 8 -14. He is worried that it be done before puberty. I see many girls at this age having the operation and as I have said it is such a postive and proud event in their lives.
I would be interested in hearing other womens experiences on this subject.
14 - Sam
Saima:
Could you answer three questions for me?
1. Does a sahih hadith show accuracy of statements or accuracy of chain of speakers?
2. Is there a mention of female circumcision that is not written down 200-400 years after the Prophets death?
3. Is there a mention of female circumcision in the Quran?
Thanks.
15 - Sara
This is a comment to the contribution of Abeer and Saima : I agree with you. As long as this tradition is done under medical control and enought hygiene and safety measure, including aenesthetics, what is the real problem ? I think that most of the problem come from bad hygiene conditions, not from the act it self. I have a very good friend from Mali, who is circumcised, and she doesn't complain, et she says she a wonderfull life her husband, including love making, she has pleasure too. So, if these people want to keep their traditions, why should we ban them ?
16 - Sabina
I was circumcised at 14 and have no regrets at all. Whilst I can understand that the procedure can be a problem if it is not performed properly, modern medical techniques minimise any risks. If performed correctly, circumcision should allow sexual intimacy to take place without it being undermined by lustful thoughts or carnal feelings. Sexual satisfaction is revered in so much of the western world, yet for so many women, it brings nothing but frustration. Circumcision brings contentment and calm to a woman, and contrary to much reporting, does not automatically mean difficulties during childbirth. The ideal circumcision should include the removal of the clitoris and the labia minor, flush to the vaginal wall. This ensures there are no ridges to trap fluids. Circumcision leaves a vagina slightly drier than normal, and almost free of odour. The removed material ensures the vagina can fully open to ease childbirth. There are many who may say that I will never have an orgasm, so I don’t know what I am missing " but when I look at what ‘sexual liberation’ has achieved for the west, I think that my parents made the right choice. Regarding age, the debate regarding the correct age for the procedure is complex. Whilst many would say my parents were wrong to have me circumcised (as it should have been my decision) it is also right to claim that parents have a duty to ensure there children are brought up in an appropriate manner. My circumcision was done ‘for me’ not ‘to me’, and was done at what they considered the correct age.
17 - Eric
Am a male from an europeen country not muslim aand i am leaving in west africa.
The first time i made love to a somali woman i realised she was completely circumcised, i felt very sorry for her because Of our culture where we are told that woman circumcised cannot have orgasm anymore and so on and so on...
Fortunately, i soon realised that the feeling And the pleasure was there non undiminished at all although different in some kind of subtle way, well to "cut" a long story short it was nice! Far much better than what i had experienced so far. since that time i became more and more interrested in that practice and i have been talking to a lot of girl who were circumcised actually, to the contrary off all we can read on the net or see on tv about the evilness of this practice most of them where quite happy to have done it the most important problem was about the way "modern peoples" were looking at them i think they just hate to be looked at as victims to be regarded as frigid woman they are not far from that!
I can understand people being for or against a practice but that should be done in respect of our different cultures and not in a way of retaliation as usual western countries bring along their on believes for the greatest good of all! women ,if you dont want to be circumcised... so be it! But please please stop pointing the finger at the ones who want it! They have no need for your pity or your self rigteous indignation. and your crooked statistics!
18 - Eric
Let people leave their life there is nothing wrong with cirmusised women and their sexual demeanour has nothing to envy to this so called "uncircumcised bombs"
19 - muslim
i'm a soon to be doctor insha Allah, and I wanted to know exactly what type of female circumcision is allowed in Islam. The hadith discussing this is very broad.
20 - dlm
There is some debate as to whether islam allows FGM. This adds an extra complication to free and open discussion of the topic and limits the potential of clear, free thought and deliberation on th issue. We all want to be sensitive to others' beliefs.
However, if I may step back a little from the precise 'islam' label, I would like to make a more general point - directed at no particular religious group:
If you believe in (a) god and that all-powerful superior being blesses you with a beautiful child (and I mean they are all beautiful)... then why would you presume to cut away part of that god-given child as if you know better than your god?
It seems illogical to me. Not to mention insane, inhumane, barbaric and downright painful.
21 - Elizabeth
I am really saddened by the comments made here by people on both sides of the argument, ignorant people who feel they should make decisions on behalf of others, based on their own beliefs and culture. Every one of us feel inadequate, different, ugly at one time or other in our lives, and yet we are all perfectly unique and beautiful. We all struggle with what is right and wrong, what is sin and what is not, no one person is correct.
Keep in mind that the human species is the only species on this planet that engages in sex for pleasure, it is what makes us unique, every other species is driven by the need to reproduce, but not us. If you are an adult female of the human species and you are unable to master your sexuality, then by all means take advantage of the options available to you, but leave your little ones out of it. Self discipline has lost it's appeal in this world and yet it should be our most valued personality trait. I know my husband would prefer to hear that I am faithful to him because i choose to be rather than the fact that i have no physical need for sex. I believe that my God would prefer that I made this sacrifice to Him because I chose to rather than because my parents made the sacrifice on my behalf before I could even know what He was about.
I respectfully request that you live your life to the best of your ability and do no harm to others, let them learn the lessons of self discipline, self respect and self esteem, and guide them on their path in life knowing it is not the same path you walked, even if it is entangled in your path now. Let your little ones grow up without fear or pain and then guide them to make the right choices for them when they are adults. Please!
22 - Memmy
FGM is something that a woman should decide for herself, not something that should be forced upon her.
Many people try to compare FGM to the cosmetic procedures of breast enlargment or implants. Both are unneccesary medical procedures to make a woman more disireable. I see the difference as this- in order to recieve cosmetic surgery, you have to be of a consenting age and agree to it.
A parent cannot demand that their 14 year old daugher recieve implants to make her suitable for marraige, so why can they demand she be circumsised? If an family with an American background held down their child and cut pieces of her body off, it would be a crime, but if someone from another background does it, it's tradition?
Women can control their sexual urges without being circumsised, if they can't it's a problem with their upbringing, not their genitalia.
23 - safiya
to Muslim Sister:
How come I almost never hear perspectives like yours about this practice?
24 - Saad Noah
To see a video response to FGM in Islam, please go to youtube channel? fitnafitan5 video clip 31/49, go to the end of the 31/49 clip and continou to video clip 32/49. The Quran is the only Divine Book that forbids FGM and considers it as the deed of the devil. When the Moslims are going to understand the Merciful Quran and live as Moslims?
25 - Spina Spogmai
Hi,
I am from Afghanistan. A country where women are not living an ideal life. But hearing the accounts of some women about their circumcision experience makes me shiver. Female genital mutilation is like playing with dignity of a woman. It should under no circumstance be associated with Islam. It is a purely African and pagan Arab tradition. Sexual arousal for female is not a crime in Islam. Islam says that it should be controlled no uprooted altogether. If sexual desire was such a bad thing then why did God gave it to humans in the first place. Using our sexual desires in the right way (with our husband or wife)is what religion teaches us.I have full sympathy with those convert sisters who were wrongly informed by some traditional Muslims and made to perform the practice in the name of Islam. Believe me there is no mention of female circumcision in the Quran or valid (sahih) Ahadith. Everything that Arabs do, cannot be labelled as Islamic. What the Holy Prophet recommended was only male circumcision which has great medical benefits. Female circumcision for that matter has no medical benefits. On the contrary it leaves a woman sexually paralyzed.
Majority of Muslim women around the world do not practice this circumcision and are still very righteous and good Muslims.
We should never tarnish the image of Islam by associating such brutal practices with it but should work together to eradicate them.
Thanks
Spina Spogmai