Is Circumcision Mandatory in Islam for Women?

A Comprehensive Islamic, Scholarly, and Contemporary Perspective

Circumcision is a topic that often generates strong opinions, especially when discussed in the context of Islam and women. While male circumcision is widely known and commonly practiced in Muslim societies, female circumcision, more accurately referred to in Islamic jurisprudence as female genital cutting (FGC) in a limited, non-harmful form, is far more complex and frequently misunderstood.

Many people—Muslims and non-Muslims alike—ask the same question:

Is circumcision mandatory in Islam for women?

The short answer is:
👉 There is no unanimous agreement among Islamic scholars that female circumcision is mandatory.

The long answer, however, requires a deeper look at Islamic sources, classical jurisprudence, scholarly differences, cultural practices, and modern ethical considerations.

This article aims to provide a clear, balanced, and evidence-based explanation of the issue, written for everyday readers—not just scholars.

Understanding Circumcision in Islam

In Islam, circumcision (khitan) is generally discussed within the broader framework of fitrah—the natural disposition or practices associated with cleanliness and human dignity.

Circumcision as Part of Fitrah

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Five practices are part of the natural disposition: circumcision, trimming the mustache, cutting the nails, plucking the armpit hair, and shaving the pubic hair.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)

This hadith mentions circumcision without explicitly differentiating between men and women, which is one reason scholars later debated its application.

Male vs Female Circumcision: A Crucial Distinction

Before discussing rulings, it is essential to distinguish between male circumcision and female circumcision, as Islamic law treats them very differently.

Male Circumcision

Consensus (ijma‘) among scholars that male circumcision is:
- Obligatory (wajib) according to most scholars
- Strongly emphasized (sunnah mu’akkadah) according to a minority
Clear hygienic, religious, and ritual significance
Required for certain acts of worship, such as valid prayer according to some schools

Female Circumcision

No consensus
Differing opinions among Islamic schools
Strictly prohibited if it causes harm

This distinction is critical because many discussions conflate the two, leading to confusion.

What Do Islamic Sources Say About Female Circumcision?

The Qur’an

There is no verse in the Qur’an that explicitly commands or describes female circumcision.

Islamic rulings on this issue are derived primarily from:

Hadith literature
Juristic interpretation
Cultural context

Hadiths Related to Female Circumcision

There are a few narrations often cited in discussions, but their authenticity and interpretation are debated.

The “Do Not Cut Excessively” Hadith

The Prophet ﷺ reportedly said to a woman who performed circumcision in Madinah:

“Do not cut severely, as that is better for the woman and more pleasing to the husband.”

Scholarly notes:

The hadith is considered weak (da‘if) by many hadith scholars
Even those who accept it interpret it as regulation, not obligation
It implies limitation, not encouragement

Opinions of the Four Major Sunni Schools of Law

Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) is traditionally divided into four major Sunni schools. Each has a different view.

1. Shafi‘i School

Position: Female circumcision is obligatory
This opinion is most often cited by proponents
However:
- Many contemporary Shafi‘i scholars reinterpret this ruling
- Emphasis is placed on symbolic or non-harmful forms only

This view is dominant in parts of:

East Africa
Southeast Asia (including parts of Indonesia)

2. Hanafi School

Position: Female circumcision is not obligatory
Considered permissible or honorable (makrumah)
Not required for religious validity

3. Maliki School

Position: Female circumcision is not mandatory
Viewed as:
- Cultural
- Optional
- Not religiously required

4. Hanbali School

Position: Mixed opinions
Many Hanbali scholars consider it:
- Recommended (mustahabb)
- Not obligatory

Summary Table

School	Ruling
Shafi‘i	Obligatory (traditional view)
Hanafi	Not obligatory
Maliki	Not obligatory
Hanbali	Recommended or permissible

👉 Three out of four schools do NOT consider it mandatory.

Cultural Practices vs Religious Obligations

One of the biggest challenges in this discussion is separating Islamic teachings from local cultural traditions.

In many regions:

Practices labeled as “Islamic” predate Islam itself
Customs are passed down socially, not religiously

Examples:

Female circumcision existed in parts of Africa and the Middle East before Islam
Islam regulated many existing practices rather than inventing them

This means:
👉 Not everything practiced by Muslims is mandated by Islam.

Modern Islamic Scholarly Views

Many contemporary scholars and Islamic institutions have revisited this issue using:

Medical evidence
Ethical principles
Maqasid al-Shariah (objectives of Islamic law)

Key Principles Applied

Islamic law prioritizes:

Preservation of life
Prevention of harm
Human dignity

A well-known legal maxim states:

“There should be neither harm nor reciprocating harm.”

Contemporary Fatwas

Numerous respected bodies state:

Female circumcision is not obligatory
Harmful practices are haram (forbidden)
Islam does not require procedures that cause physical or psychological damage

Institutions expressing this view include:

Al-Azhar scholars
International Islamic Fiqh Academy
Many national fatwa councils

Health and Ethical Considerations

From an Islamic perspective, medical harm overrides cultural or disputed religious claims.

Modern medicine has shown that many forms of female genital cutting can:

Cause severe pain
Lead to infection
Affect sexual and psychological well-being

Islamic ethics clearly state:
👉 Any practice that causes proven harm is prohibited.

Is Female Circumcision the Same as FGM?

No.

Islamic discussions refer—at most—to a symbolic, minimal act that:

Does not involve cutting organs
Does not cause harm
Does not impair bodily function

Practices involving:

Removal of genital tissue
Infibulation
Severe cutting

are not supported by Islamic teachings and are widely condemned by scholars.

Legal Status in Muslim-Majority Countries

Many Muslim-majority countries:

Do not require female circumcision by law
Actively discourage harmful practices

Some have:

Explicit bans on harmful forms of FGM
Public education programs separating religion from harmful customs

Common Questions (FAQ)

Is female circumcision required to be a good Muslim?

No. A woman’s faith, prayer, character, and morality define her religiosity—not circumcision.

Does Islam encourage harm to women?

Absolutely not. Islam emphasizes:

Mercy
Protection
Dignity

Why do some Muslims still practice it?

Mostly due to:

Cultural inheritance
Misunderstanding of religion
Social pressure

Can parents be sinful for not circumcising their daughters?

According to the majority of scholars:
👉 No.

Final Verdict: Is It Mandatory in Islam?

No — female circumcision is NOT universally mandatory in Islam.

To summarize:

✔ No Qur’anic command
✔ No scholarly consensus
✔ Majority of schools say it is not obligatory
✔ Harmful practices are forbidden
✔ Modern scholars emphasize ethics and well-being

Islamic teachings focus on compassion, wisdom, and prevention of harm, not rigid enforcement of disputed practices.

Final Thoughts

Discussions about female circumcision must be approached with:

Knowledge
Sensitivity
Respect for human dignity

Islam is a religion grounded in justice and mercy. Where interpretations conflict with these values, scholars are obligated to re-examine traditions in light of authentic sources and ethical principles.

Understanding the difference between religion and culture is key to meaningful dialogue and informed decision-making.

Tag : Circumcision Mandatory, in Islam, Women