Female Genital Mutilation: Cultural or Religious Obligation? Exploring Perspectives on Female Genital Mutilation Within Communities and Practitioners

This analysis examines the impacts of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on Muslim women, focusing on physical, psychological, and cultural dimensions. FGM has been found to inflict severe pain physically and poses significant health risks, including long-term complications. In terms of psychological impact, FGM can lead to trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression, affecting women’s self-esteem and identity. In addition, culturally, FGM persists due to entrenched traditions and gender norms. It is often seen as a means of controlling female sexuality and improving marriage prospects and is associated with social status, where undergoing FGM is believed to enhance a family’s standing and respect within the community. Religious interpretations of FGM within Islam are diverse. While some hadiths are cited to support the practice, many scholars consider these sources weak or misinterpreted. The Qur’an does not mention FGM and Islamic teachings generally advocate for bodily integrity and the prohibition of harm. Increasingly, Islamic scholars and organizations are rejecting FGM, aligning with principles of human dignity and the avoidance of harm. Gender norms further perpetuate FGM. It is linked to notions of femininity, sexual morality, and male preference, which reflects deeper issues of gender inequality and patriarchal values. To effectively address FGM, it is crucial to tackle these cultural and gendered factors, promoting a compassionate and informed approach to ending this harmful practice.