Stop the Cutting: Why Muslim Imams Are Against Female Genital Mutilation

by Aimee Sea · 2010-02-08 07:25:00 UTC
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"Are there texts in the Koran that clearly require that thing? They do not exist." With these words, a group of 34 Muslim religious leaders and scholars in Mauritania issued a fatwa (a religious edict) against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The Mauritania government and UNICEF (the United Nations Children's Fund) supported the leaders' statement, although they all have their work cut out for them in a country where UNICEF estimates that over 70 percent of women ages 15 to 49 have been subjected to FGM. Excuse me for a moment while I cross my legs and give thanks that my WASPy New England family doesn't believe in attacking my vagina with the nearest sharp object.

So what exactly is "that thing" that has been condemned? The World Health Organization can explain it better than I can, but be warned: the key words are "genital" and "mutilation," and it only gets worse. Definitely a trigger warning. Negative health effects of FGM range from infection, pain, and bleeding to recurring bladder or urinary tract infections, infertility, and increased risk of childbirth complications, including newborn deaths. There's also no medical reason for it, but you probably figured that out on your own.

FGM is a cultural practice most prevalent in the Saharan countries of Africa. It is often associated with Islam, but as our Mauritanian friends pointed out, there is nothing in the Koran prescribing it. In fact, a 2005 UNICEF report found that it wasn't possible to link religion with FGM and that ethnicity was actually the strongest determining factor.

Despite such pesky facts, a quick google search shows that FGM is frequently linked to Islam -- which is why when Muslims condemn the practice, it should be broadcast on every blog and newspaper from Los Angeles to Libya. Why isn't it? Probably because blaming FGM on backwards Muslims makes a better story than a thoughtful analysis of the ethnic, cultural, social and religious factors contributing to FGM.

So why are Muslim imams against FGM? Because they know it's a harmful practice and not a requirement of Islam. Now you do too. Spread the word.

Photo from wikimedia commons

Aimee Sea is a proud New Englander who blogs about global women's rights and whatever else happens to catch her eye.
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