✦ Introduction:
In the present era, there is widespread discussion and criticism regarding “FGM” (Female Genital Mutilation). Often, FGM is confused with the Islamic practice of “female circumcision,” which leads to misconceptions about Islam. This article will primarily discuss:
1. The Nature of Female Circumcision and the Islamic Position
2. The Nature of FGM and the Islamic Ruling
3. A Comparative Analysis in Light of the Qur'an, Hadith, and Fiqh
✦ Female Circumcision:
Islamic Terminology and Sources:
Khitan (الختان) is an Arabic root word whose literal meaning is “to cut.” In the case of men, it is considered obligatory (wajib) or a confirmed Sunnah (sunnah mu'akkadah). In the case of women, according to the hadiths, it is a recommended practice (mustahab). (a commendable) act, but not obligatory. According to most jurists, it is permissible but not mandatory; rather, it is dependent on the woman's consent.
✦ Hadiths, Sanad, and Analysis Regarding Female Circumcision:
Several hadiths concerning female circumcision are found, but according to the hadith scholars' analysis, none of them is completely sound (صحيح لذاته) in either its chain of transmission (sanad) or its text (matn). Most are either weak (ضعيف) or sound by virtue of other circumstances (حسن لغيره). Here, the two most authentic hadiths are analyzed.
📜 Hadith:
«الْخِتَانُ سُنَّةٌ لِلرِّجَالِ، مَكْرُمَةٌ لِلنِّسَاءِ»
“Circumcision is a Sunnah for men and an honor for women.”
— (Musnad Ahmad: 19774; Bayhaqi, al-Kubra: 19070)
Chain of transmission analysis:
Imam Bayhaqi and other hadith scholars have stated that the chain is weak (da'if) because it contains a weak narrator named “Hajjaj ibn Arta'ah”.
📜 Another narration:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to a female circumciser in Madinah:
«أَشِمِّي وَلَا تُنْهِكِي، فَإِنَّهُ أَنْضَرُ لِلْوَجْهِ وَأَحْظَى عِنْدَ الزَّوْجِ»
“Make a slight cut and do not mutilate, for it makes the face more beautiful and is more pleasing to the husband.”
— (Sunan Abu Dawud: 5271; the chain of transmission is disputed)
Chain of transmission analysis:
Imam Abu Dawood himself said, “This hadith is weak.”
It contains a female narrator named “Umm 'Atiyyah,” whose identity is unclear, which is why Imam An-Nawawi, Al-Albani, and others have declared the hadith weak.
🔍 Analysis:
Even through these two weak hadiths, it is clear that female circumcision is to be done with a light cut, so that no harm is caused. Mutilation is forbidden.
✦ Definition and Characteristics of FGM (Female Genital Mutilation):
The WHO (World Health Organization) defines FGM as:
“All procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.”
✦ Types of FGM:
1. Type I – Partial or total removal of the clitoris
2. Type II – Removal of the labia minora and labia majora
3. Type III – Sewing the vulva closed (infibulation)
4. Type IV – Other harmful procedures (burning, piercing)
✦ Does Islam support FGM?
No, Islam does not support FGM. Because:
1. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Do not mutilate (during circumcision).” – FGM involves mutilation, which is forbidden.
2. Islam advocates “لا ضرر ولا ضرار” – “There should be no harming or causing harm.” – (Ibn Majah: 2340)
3. A principle of Sharia: الضرر يزال – “Harm must be removed.”
4. According to jurists: Female circumcision is permissible, but it is forbidden to cause harm by exceeding the limits.
✦ Comparative Fiqhi explanation and support:
Madhab Female Circumcision Opinion on FGM
Hanafi Mustahab Harm to the organ is forbidden
Maliki Respected Forbidden if it causes harm
Shafi'i Wajib (there is a difference of opinion) Exceeding the limits is forbidden
Hanbali Mustahab Should be forbidden
✦ Conclusion
Female circumcision can be an Islamic practice, but it must be limited, safe, without organ removal, and done with the woman's consent. According to the Islamic principle “La zarar” (no harm), destructive and harmful practices like FGM are contrary to Sharia and are forbidden (haram).
Inhumane behavior or cultural distortions in the name of Islam are never acceptable.
✦ Bibliography and Sources
1. Sunan Abu Dawud – Hadith: 5271
2. Musnad Ahmad – Hadith: 19774
3. Al-Ma'ūsū'a al-Fiqhiyya, Kuwait
4. Al-Nawawi, Sharh al-Muhadhdhab, Dar al-Fikr
5. WHO – Guidelines on FGM, 2023
6. Fiqh al-Islami wa Adillatuh, Dr. Wahbah al-Zuhayli