Dissecting the claims of legitimization for the ritual of female circumcision or female genital mutilation (FGM)

Abstract

This work analysis the various arguments put forward by the supporters of female genital mutilation (FGM) under Islamic law to find out whether this practice is Islamic or whether it is a customary or cultural tradition or is a matter of personal preference in different parts of the Muslim world where it exists. The findings of this work are that the arguments given in support of FGM are either not reliable or are weak or do not order Muslims to carry out this practice. Instead, this horrific practice is rooted in custom-cum-cultural tradition or is a matter of personal preference for some Muslims but cannot be legitimized under Islamic law.