Facts and controversies on female genital mutilation and Islam

ABSTRACT

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a very ancient traditional and cultural ritual. Strategies and policies have been implemented to abandon this practice. However, despite commendable work, it is still prevalent, mainly in Muslim countries. FGM predates Islam. It is not mentioned in the Qur'an (the verbatim word of God in Islam). Muslim religious authorities agree that all types of mutilation, including FGM, are condemned. ‘Sensitivity’ to cultural traditions that erroneously associate FGM with Islam is misplaced. The principle of ‘do no harm’, endorsed by Islam, supersedes cultural practices, logically eliminating FGM from receiving any Islamic religious endorsement.

KEYWORDS:

• Female genital mutilation
• Islam

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I thank Valerie Zimmerman, PhD, for her assistance with the preparation of the manuscript.

Declaration of interest: The author reports no conflicts of interest. The author alone is responsible for the content and the writing of the paper.