WikiIslam:Sandbox
Female Genital Mutilation or the circumcision of women (Arabic: ختان المرأة) is the practice of cutting off part or parts of the outer labia and vulva, including parts or all of the clitoris, of women. The practice is found amongst many cultures in the Middle East and Africa and is more prominent in Africa than in the Arab world or other parts of the Islamic world. The aim and affect of the practice is to lessen the pleasure women get from various sex acts, thus in theory tamping down on their libido and making them more faithful wives. Popular discourse on the matter often paints it as purely a cultural artifact of traditional cultures, with no connection to religion. In point of fact, though, many Sahih Hadith exist supporting and even commanding the practice, and numerous fatwas have been issued both supporting and commanding the practice within the Islamic community.
The fitrah is five things, including circumcision
In this chapter we will revisit the seven ‘FGM Hadith’ that we first encountered in at the start of this section and look at them in greater depth, taking into account what we learnt in the previous chapters.
A preservation of honor for women
Abu al- Malih ibn `Usama's father relates that the Prophet said: "Circumcision is a law for men and a preservation of honour for women."
Ahmad Ibn Hanbal 5:75; Abu Dawud, Adab 167.
Do not cut "severely"
Narrated Umm Atiyyah al-Ansariyyah: A woman used to perform circumcision in Medina. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said to her: Do not cut severely as that is better for a woman and more desirable for a husband.
Sunan Abu Dawud 41:5251
When the circumcised part touches circumcised part
Abu Musa reported: There cropped up a difference of opinion between a group of Muhajirs (Emigrants and a group of Ansar (Helpers) (and the point of dispute was) that the Ansar said: The bath (because of sexual intercourse) becomes obligatory only-when the semen spurts out or ejaculates. But the Muhajirs said: When a man has sexual intercourse (with the woman), a bath becomes obligatory (no matter whether or not there is seminal emission or ejaculation). Abu Musa said: Well, I satisfy you on this (issue). He (Abu Musa, the narrator) said: I got up (and went) to 'A'isha and sought her permission and it was granted, and I said to her: 0 Mother, or Mother of the Faithful, I want to ask you about a matter on which I feel shy. She said: Don't feel shy of asking me about a thing which you can ask your mother, who gave you birth, for I am too your mother. Upon this I said: What makes a bath obligatory for a person? She replied: You have come across one well informed! The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: When anyone sits amidst four parts (of the woman) and the circumcised parts touch each other a bath becomes obligatory.