Female Circumcision

19-7-2000 | IslamWeb

Question:

Some scholars say that female circumcision is Waajib, some say it is "likable". Are there also any who consider it as Haram? Others say that only some types are allowed. Please give me a detailed answer about the following types of circumcision whether it is Haram, Halal, Waajib, preferred or others: 1. Infibulation (cutting of the clitoris and all the outer parts of the female genitals, then closing the remaining parts and leaving only a small hole) 2. Clitoridectomy (Removing the clitoris completely and removing also some inner parts of the female genitals) 3. So called "Sunna", which means removing part of the clitoris) 4. Removing only part of the skin but not the clitoris. This is a very important issue. Thank you very much for the answer. Assalamu alaikum.

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds.  I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

The Scholars have three different opinions concerning female circumcision:

1- Some consider it a Sunnah (recommended act) for men and likable act for women. This is the opinion of Hanafi, Maliki schools and Imaam Ahmad as reported in a narration of his.

2-Others believe that it is obligatory on both men and women. This is the view of the Shafi'i and Hanbali scholars.

3-A third group thinks that it is obligatory on men and likable for women. This is the opinion of a group of Muslim Scholars.

From what is mentioned above, it is clear that no scholar has said that circumcision is prohibited.

As for how it is performed, it is done by cutting off part of the hood/skin which is like the comb of a cock and is found just above the urinary tract.

Umm Atiyyah said, “A woman used to perform circumcision in Madeenah. The Prophet , said to her: 'Do not cut severely as that is better for the woman and more pleasurable for the husband.'" [Abu Daawood] 

Allaah Knows best.