Introduction

Female circumcision, or Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), is an inhumane, harmful religious and social practice that still exists in many countries today. This practice is considered an international human rights violation and a serious crime. Although in some societies it is practiced in the name of tradition and culture, FGM is in reality dangerous for women's health and causes lasting physical and mental harm. Despite the laws of various countries and the efforts of international organizations, this practice still remains. Due to religious blindness, superstition, and lack of education, it has not yet been possible to eradicate it. This article will focus on why female circumcision is an international human rights violation and a serious crime.

The Definition and Types of FGM

Female circumcision, or FGM, is the cutting off or injuring of some part or the whole of a woman's genitals. It is generally divided into four main types:

1. Clitoridectomy: partially or completely cutting off the woman's clitoris.
2. Excision: partial or complete cutting of the clitoris and labia minora.
3. Infibulation: cutting the labia minora and labia majora and sewing up the entrance of the genitals, so as to obstruct the process of procreation.
4. Other harmful procedures: any harmful method such as sewing, tearing, or injuring.

Each of these types of FGM is gravely dangerous for women's health and causes them lifelong physical and mental harm.

Violation of International Human Rights

FGM is an extreme human rights violation, because it attacks the fundamental rights of women concerning physical integrity, freedom, and health. International organizations such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO) have long been making efforts to stop FGM. According to WHO, female circumcision is harmful to human rights, and it is essential to take comprehensive preventive measures against it. This practice is carried out on girls in childhood or adolescence without their consent, which violates their fundamental rights. That is, by the time they reach the age of soundly and consciously deciding about their own bodies, their bodies have already been damaged.

As a result of FGM, women lose their physical, mental, and sexual health, and in many cases they lose their reproductive capacity. It is a kind of sexual violence and discrimination. According to the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, every person has full right over their body, and physical torture without anyone's consent is a violation of human rights. The UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted in 1948 and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) of 1979 clearly identify evil practices like FGM as crimes.

The Global Context of Female Circumcision

Female circumcision is traditionally practiced in many countries, especially in Africa, the Middle East, and some regions of Asia. FGM is widely prevalent in the following countries:

1. Somalia: about 98% of girls and women here are victims of FGM. In most cases, the infibulation method is used, which is extremely painful and can be life-threatening.
2. Countries like Mali: here FGM is practiced as a socially accepted custom, and about 89% of women go through this process.
3. Ethiopia: although the FGM practice exists in Ethiopia, its rate has declined somewhat in recent times.
4. Egypt: the FGM rate in Egypt is 87%. Although it was banned in 2008, the practice still continues secretly.
5. Indonesia: in some regions FGM continues as a religious or cultural practice.

In many African countries, female circumcision is socially recognized. In many cases, the main purpose of this practice is to preserve a woman's virginity and morality. In these societies, if a girl is not circumcised, she is considered unwanted in society. As a result, women become victims of FGM because of social pressure and cultural obligation.

The Scientific Effects of FGM

Female circumcision is extremely dangerous, and its physical and mental effects are severe. According to the World Health Organization, FGM has a massively negative impact on the physical and mental health of women.

Physical effects:

1. Extreme pain and bleeding: during FGM, women feel extreme pain, because it is usually performed in unhygienic conditions and without medical procedures. This process causes heavy bleeding, which increases the risk of death.
2. Infection: because of the use of unclean instruments, the risk of infection is extremely high. Diseases like hepatitis, tetanus, and HIV can be transmitted.
3. Urinary tract problems: after FGM, many women develop urinary tract problems. Often the bladder and kidneys are damaged, which is life-threatening.
4. Complications during childbirth: because of circumcision, many more complications arise for women during childbirth. Often a cesarean operation is needed, and in many cases the mother and child may even die during birth.
5. Loss of reproductive capacity: because the entrance of the genitals is sewn up in the infibulation process, there is a risk of losing reproductive capacity.

Mental effects:

FGM has a lasting impact on women not only physically, but also mentally. Women may develop depression, anxiety, and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). Many women face problems in their sexual life and experience deep psychological crises in relationships.

Scientific evidence:

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) research proves that FGM is a dangerous and unnecessary practice that has a severe impact on the physical and mental health of women. In a 2018 report, WHO said, "Female circumcision disrupts women's sexual and reproductive health in the long term."

In her research, Dr. Laura Campbell mentions, "The effects of FGM create multiple physical and mental complications. Among them, the biggest effects are genital infection, childbirth complications, and mental trauma." (( Campbell, Health Consequences of FGM, 2015 ))

Female Circumcision in Islam

In Islam, female circumcision (( On female circumcision in Islam  )) is a religious ruling. It is known from the hadith that the Prophet forbade cutting too deep during female circumcision, because if it is cut too deep, husbands will no longer get pleasure from sex. That is, female circumcision is permitted in Islam, and there is also an instruction to perform it.

Sunan Abu Dawud (verified)
Publisher: Allama Albani Academy
Chapter: 36/ Etiquette
Section: 180. Regarding circumcision
5271. Narrated on the authority of Umm 'Atiyyah al-Ansari (RA). A woman in Madinah used to perform circumcision. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said to her: You should not cut deeply. Because that is more comfortable for the woman and highly preferable for the husband. Imam Abu Dawud (RA) said, it is narrated from 'Ubaidullah ibn 'Amr (RA) on the authority of Abdul Malik (RA) with the same meaning and chain. Imam Abu Dawud (RA) said, the chain of this hadith is weak.(1)
Sahih.
(1). Bayhaqi.
Hadith grade: Sahih (Authentic)

That is, according to the ruling of Islam, women too should be circumcised. Let us listen to the statement of Sheikh Ahmadullah,

Now let us read a fatwa of the greatest muhaddith, Allama Albani (( Fatawa of Albani, Allama Muhammad Nasiruddin al-Albani (RA), Muhammad Shahidullah Khan Madani (translator), Sheikh Abdullah Mahmud (translator), Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Faruq Salafi (translator), Page 174 ))

Let us learn from Islamic sources how this practice of female circumcision in Islam began (( Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah, Ibn Kathir, Volume 1, Islamic Foundation, Page 349-350 ))

Now let us listen to a victim's story,