Female Circumcision

The purpose of the previous blog, was to educate both muslims and non-muslims about how Islamic Jursiprudence and rulings/Fatwas are derived which encourage or inform Muslim behaviours. Many fatwas are regularly issued which have no basis at all in the primary sources i.e Quran and hadiths and are based on supposed interpretations and inferences. Fatwas and rulings are generally issued by religious authorities but at times do not necessarily have a basis except in the whimsical view of the scholar issuing the fatwa.

As an example, certain African and Arab communities from within the Muslim world practice female circumcision as centuries old traditions which pre-dated Islam’s influence. This goes on today in Egypt, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan and other neighbouring non-Muslim countries. The Quran nowhere recommends or mentions this very harmful practice as a religious instruction.

The hadiths although making several favorable mention of male circumcision, makes only one single mention of an event associated with female circumcision. This hadith is deemed unreliable by the famous hadith compiler Abu Daud in whose collection it appears. The narration chain is not considered reliable and the hadith defective and blemished.

Umm 'Atiyyah narrated: "A woman used to perform circumcision in Madinah. The Prophet (s.a.w.) said to her: 'When you circumcise, do not cut severely as that is better for a woman and more desirable for a husband.'" (Related by Abu Dawud)

This hadith is regarded by those communities who want to retain the tradition as an approval by the prophet Muhammad s.a.s of their practice of female circumcision despite it being confirmed a very weak narration. Even the most extreme muslim scholar however would rule approval of only WHO Type Ia Female circumcision i.e removal of the clitoral prepuce to a limited extent. All other forms are prohibited explicitly by even the most traditional muslim scholars. Most, if not all Muslim scholars prohibit any modification to the female genitalia.

The nature and extent of Female circumcision

Amnesty International estimates that over 130 million women worldwide have been affected by some form of FGM.

Type I - The WHO defines Type I FGM as the partial or total removal of the clitoris (partial or total clitoridectomy) and/or the prepuce:
· Type Ia, removal of the clitoral hood/prepuce only [The only one approved by a small minority of Islamic scholars];
· Type Ib, removal of the clitoris with the prepuce

Type II - Partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora (excision).
· Type IIa, removal of the labia minora only;
· Type IIb, partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora;
· Type IIc, partial or total removal of the clitoris, the labia minora and the labia majora

Type III (Infibulation) - The WHO defines Type III FGM as narrowing of the vaginal orifice with creation of a covering seal by cutting and repositioning the labia minora and/or the labia majora, with or without excision of the clitoris. [In short the labia majora is sutured to conceal both the vaginal orifice and urethral orifice with the clitoris and labia minora sometimes being excised. A small opening is left for menstrual and urinary fluid to be eliminated]

Type IV all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes. This includes a diverse range of practices, such as pricking the clitoris with needles, burning or scarring the genitals as well as ripping or tearing of the vagina

A Unicef report summarizes it all

“The Al-Azhar Supreme Council of Islamic Research, the highest religious authority in Egypt, issued a statement saying female circumcision has no basis in core Islamic law or any of its partial provisions and that it is harmful and should not be practiced." In fact, this pre-Islamic barbarity runs contrary to the Islamic tenet which dictates that a man should make sure his wife enjoys their lovemaking. Coptic Pope Shenouda, the leader of Egypt's minority Christian community, said that neither the Quran nor the Bible demand or mention female circumcision”

The conclusion therefore according to the overwhelming opinion of Islamic scholars is that Islam prohibits female circumcision and encourages Male circumcision.

Why Halal is more humane from Belfast Telegraph

.............................. When the arteries in the neck are severed, blood pressure to the brain falls to negligible levels almost instantly, rendering the animal unconscious, certainly faster than the time lapse until any pain resulting from the cut could possibly be felt.

What Mr Elliott fails to appreciate is that the stunning process itself often fails to be effective at its first application, requiring repeated attempts which causes considerable pain and distress to the animal.

In reality, when performed by a skilled slaughterer, this is the most humane way of killing animals.

MARTIN D STERN

Salford, England

Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/letters/why-halal-is-more-humane-14535645.html#ixzz0UN9Yihsn

The Dajjal and his demise

The Dajjal and its system has swayed masses and masses of people, muslims included. Heedlessness and unawareness have become the norm. An Islamic awakening currently in progress will eliminate the Dajjal and restore the historical norm - Muslims as effective witnesses and bearers of truth. This means that Muslims will be so effective in their religion, that intellectually any uncertain soul who is wandering, lost or confused will without doubt suddenly see crystal clear arguments against all Godless ideologies and know that worship of God and dedication to Him is the real deal. InshAllah.