Female Circumcision

From the link: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?pagename=IslamO nline-English-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaE&cid=111950354388 6

from: Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi,

"However, the most moderate opinion and the most likely one to be correct is in favor of practicing circumcision in the moderate Islamic way indicated in some of the Prophet's hadiths � even though such hadiths are not confirmed to be authentic. It is reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to a midwife: "Reduce the size of the clitoris but do not exceed the limit, for that is better for her health and is preferred by husbands". The hadith indicates that circumcision is better for a woman's health and it enhances her conjugal relation with her husband. It�s noteworthy that the Prophet's saying "do not exceed the limit" means do not totally remove the clitoris."

"even though such hadiths are not confirmed to be authentic."

How can I take something that is not confirmed as authentic?

"It is reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to a midwife: "Reduce the size of the clitoris but do not exceed the limit, for that is better for her health and is preferred by husbands""

Is this an authentic hadith? This sentence is directly after about talking that such hadiths (even though there is no examples) are not confirmed authentic.

We have this other article which is in opposition, from: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?cid=11195035458 26&pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar%2FFatwaE%2FF atwaEAskTheScholar

From: Sheikh Ahmad Kutty,

"While one finds a number of traditions from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, which clearly indicates that he ordered pagan males who converted to undergo circumcision, it is not stated anywhere that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, ordered any woman who entered Islam to undergo this practice.

Because there is no absolute proof from the sources of Islam prescribing female circumcision, the vast majority of scholars do not include it in the OBLIGATORY rituals of Islam.

It is common knowledge in Islam that if the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, had wanted female circumcision to be an integral aspect of religious practice in Islam the same way that male circumcision is, he would have said so clearly. Since he did not do so, we can safely assume it is not a prescribed ritual of Islam." "

We have here:

"there is no absolute proof from the sources of Islam prescribing female circumcision, the vast majority of scholars do not include it in the OBLIGATORY rituals of Islam."

It is common knowledge in Islam that if the Prophet, wanted female circumcision to be an integral aspect of religious practice, he would have said so clearly. he did not so, not a prescribe ritual of islam.

Nur_Ilahi,

The main issue here with me is that you conatantly keep associating libodo with the clitoral hood and several people here have told you that the clitoral hood is not associated with libido. You may also know that the reaosn this practice is not problematic to you is because as you mentioned, it is commonplace in your country. Obviously someone who grows up around this practice and finds it common will not see anything wrong with it. You also posed the inquiry that if we want to see if there are benefits we should ask a man who has had intercourse with both, but my hunch is that there is no significant difference but then there is no way to tell, but WHO CARES what the man thinks its not his body!

Nur_Ilahi I'm not suggesting in any way to tell you how to raise your children but you could possibly give out false information to your children by telling them the enlarged clitoral hood relates to the libido therefore, trim the clitoral hood. This is bad information in my opinion.

Nur_Ilahi the following should be read by you to know what the libido is:

The Female Body manufactures many types of Estrogen but only one Progesterone and Natural Progesterone is the Source of Libido or Sex Drive in Women!

Sources of Natural Progesterone

Natural Progesterone is normally produced by the female ovaries right after ovulation and balances the side effects of otherwise unopposed estrogen.

Under the influences of dietary estrogens, petrochemicals, stress, and menopause, Progesterone production ceases or is suppressed and the effects of Estrogen Dominance, can be observed.

Most women experience Loss of Libido, mood swings, irritability, anger, depression, headaches and weight gain from the lack of Progesterone that is required for proper thyroid function.

See Ref: http://www.health-science.com/libido.html

Salaams Nur,

I think people are just going to disagree.

We all have differing knowledges and information.

And let me ask you, how do you know if people have problems? Often women have no idea that they might be "missing something." Sex is not talked about as openly.. do people really talk about not having orgasms? Would people complain or just "accept." Do they know about it? Would they really ever refuse their husbands anyway... so. Sex may not "hurt" but are they truly enjoying everything they should have.  I have lived in Paksitan and people are quite private. And then if their husbands are not satisfied, women are not likely to complain. They will be blamed 95% of the time.  

If everyone "does it" how do people know they might be missing something? I suspect schools don't teach sex ed there.

I agree with Martha, Islam is not the only religion to protect women from fornification.  I know no where in Judaism or Christianity that allows people to have sex outside of marriage.  I grew up Catholic and it was considered a sin...so...

It is odd to me that you would seek to control your daughter's libido with no proof that she has "excess" if that is your concern. Islam is about empowing us. I take account for my actions. I answer for my good deeds and bad so to speak. But I am responsible. I feel strong for that.  It would feel odd if my mother had presumed I would not have the self-control (and my bothers would).  (If that is the case we should take the equivalent out of men, what would "lower" their libido??...hmmm).

And as it is MEN who are much more likely to cheat, fornicate, why aren't we doing it to them. 75%, I mean 75% of all AIDS cases that affect women they get from husband or spouse. 75%. Scary. She is monogamous. He is not. She gets a disease from him and dies. So why anyone is so worried about the girls is beyond my comprehension. I'd be worried about her husband your daughter marries. He will be more likely to cheat, not cause she was circumcised. Cause its the way men are. Not all men are.. But many. 

I guess it is a little upsetting to think that people do cut up their girls to "control" their "libido". You know in China they used to footbind their women so they would not "leave" or runway.

Ayways about controlling the women..