Millions of young girls around the world are still subjected to the brutal practice of female genital mutilation each year. As part of the practice external genitalia is either partially or completely removed. Even though the precise historical origin of this practice is unknown, experts are of the opinion that “the practice may be as old as 2500 years”[1]. One of the earliest written references of female genital mutilation can be found in a fourth century papyrus from Saint Ambrosius(337 to 397 C.E) of Milan where he commented on the local Egyptian tradition regarding circumcision.

The Egyptians circumcise their males at their fourteenth year, and the women are said to be circumcised the same year because from that time the passion of sex begins to burn and monthly period of women begins.[2]

This article surveys in brief the practice, the physical and emotional health effects, common justifications, local law and the position of Al-Rawiya Foundation on female genital mutilation.

Definition and extent of Female Genital Mutilation:
The World Health Organization’s latest 2011 progress report on female genital mutilation stated the following about the definition and the extent of female genital mutilation.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) – defined by WHO and the United Nations (UN) agencies as “the partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons” is a deeply rooted tradition in many communities in 28 countries in Africa and in some countries in Asia and the Middle East. In the world today there are an estimated 130–140 million girls and women who have been subjected to the operation and 3 million girls are at risk of undergoing the practice every year.[3]

In most cases FGM procedure is carried out by midwives in unsanitary conditions and without any anesthesia. Female relatives forcefully hold the victim’s(girl) arms and legs while the midwife mutilates the genitalia. As one can imagine this is a dehumanizing and excruciatingly painful experience which often leaves the victim unconscious.

Health effects of Female Genital Mutilation:
There are well known immediate, medium and long-term health effects of FGM. The following highlights some of the most common health effects of FGM:

The side effects vary. At the time of the operation, the greatest risks are hemorrhage and shock, which claim unknown numbers of victims each year. And while most girls survive, many experience acute or chronic disorders related to the surgery. Among the most common are clitoral cysts, labial adhesions, recurrent urinary tract infections, renal scarring and kidney dysfunction, sterility, and, as intended, loss of sexual feeling. [4]

Some of the commonly known psychological impacts of FGM include embarrassment, hopelessness, fear, sleeplessness, nightmares, depression and psychosis.[5]

Common Justifications of Female Genital Mutilation:
There are various cultural and theological justifications provided for FGM such as to enhance fertility, promote good health/ hygiene and increase male sexual pleasure to name a few. One of the most commonly invoked justifications that cuts across the cultural and religious divide is that FGM prevents promiscuity in young girls. It is alleged that without FGM young girls will not be able to control their sexual desire and hence engage in illicit sexual activities.

It is a reality that a large number of FGM victims are Muslim women residing in Muslim majority countries. There are individuals within the Islamic clergy who insist that FGM is an Islamic practice. As evidence they frequently cite only 2 references out of the large corpus of Hadith(prophetic tradition). Both of these references are considered inauthentic/dubious by the majority of Hadith scholars. There is no mention of the need for female circumcision/mutilation in the Qur’an. Furthermore there is no evidence in the collections of Hadith to suggest that any of the women in Prophet Mohammad’s (peace be upon him) household were circumcised/mutilated. Muslims have an obligation to speak out against those who invoke questionable references to “read-into” the text in order to justify their deeply rooted unenlightened cultural beliefs.

US Federal Law on Female Genital Mutilation:
US Federal Law prohibits what is commonly known as FGM(Title 18: Section 116). The law was later amended to prohibit transporting someone out of the United States to have the FGM procedure done elsewhere. A handful of countries around the world have also banned this practice. As responsible citizens, we must obey the “Law of the Land” irrespective of any cultural or misguided theological beliefs concerning FGM.

At Al-Rawiya Foundation we are against Female Genital Mutilation and strongly believe in our God given right to intact/unmutilated body. We regard FGM as one of the cruelest form of violence and oppression against women. There are no justifications(theological or otherwise) for FGM which causes irreparable physical and psychological damage. We support all local and international efforts to outlaw FGM and formation of a global network to eradicate this inhumane practice. We implore upon all parents, specially Muslim parents, to respect the rights of the young girls. Fear of “immoral behavior” does not justify FGM. Moral values should be inculcated in the children through unconditional love, compassion and open communication.

References:
1. A. R Edwards, Kimberley.​ Female Circumcision: a Lifetime of Suffering. Pre- and Peri-natal Psychology Journal. Volume: 9. Issue: 2. 1994. Page Number: 159+

2. Gollaher, David L. Circumcision: A History of the World's Most Controversial Surgery. Basic Books. New York. 2000. Page 195-196

3. Baud, Jean-Pierre. An update on WHO’s work on female genital mutilation(FGM) Progress Report. 2011 WHO reference number: WHO/RHR/11.18. Page1.

4. Gollaher, David L. Page Page191

5. A. R Edwards, Kimberley

Dated: 01/15/2012

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