FMG

Begbie wrote: Hmmm, there seems to be a difference of opinion here; Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi whoever finds it serving the interest of his daughters should do it, and I personally support this under the current circumstances in the modern world. But whoever chooses not to do it is not considered to have committed a sin for it is mainly meant to dignify women as held by scholars. Islamic rule on female circuncision (FGM) How would this "dignify women" I wonder ?

So, where is the difference of opinon since I clearly highlighted it to be a cultural practice than having anything to do with divine origin? same as  the shiekh himself has declared it when he says "..But whoever chooses not to do it is not considered to have committed a sin ........". On the more, the evidence presented in support of FGM, is not authentic. Hence, there is no doubt left. Whatever, the Shiekh is saying is his personal feelings, depending upon his own cultural inclinations.

Begbie wrote:   i'm not disputing divine or cultural. I'm questioning the ethic.

Well then, this comes down to personal opinion since different people have different views of "ethics". But the question of whether or not Islamic law commands it has already been answered.

Begbie wrote: I don't believe I am mixed up or misunderstanding anything.

I don't mean to lecture you on semantics nor anatomy... but as mentioned already, circumcision is not the same as mutilation. The former involves removing the prepuce of the clitoris (the female equivalent of the male foreskin). The latter involves cutting the clitoris.
Islam commands neither. But from what has been presented in this thread, it looks like Islam promotes circumcision (and it stresses that even this must not be severe as to affect the sexual pleasure.)

I personally believe this issue to be of a cultural origin that seems to have crossed the line of various religious groups including Muslims, Christians and Jews.

I personally believe it to be an unnecessary practice.

Begbie, you are absolutely right! So much for scholarship these days! To justify it in any form is abominable and it is not Islamic! It is sickening!