Prohibited Sexual Behavior and Sexual Violence

Sexual Violence: Mutilation of Female Sex Organs: Justifications 5

Religion
Some Islamic communities believe that the mutilation of female sex organs is required by their religion. Actually, the practice predates the birth of the prophet Mohammed and is nowhere mentioned in the Koran. Proponents therefore cite the hadith, i.e. reports describing the deeds and sayings of the prophet. However, some of these seem to have been misinterpreted. Indeed, in an official declaration, the highest Islamic authority in Egypt, the Grand Sheykh of Al-Azhar, has reaffirmed that “no religious precept in Islam justifies the practice”. In any case, the majority of Muslims in the world do not follow it while some non-Muslims do.

Economics
The mutilation of female sex organs also has economic aspects:
1. The operations constitute a source of income for those who perform them. Ending the practice would deprive them of their livelihood.
2. In some cultures, girls who have undergone an excision or infibulation will command a higher bride price, i.e. money paid to her parents by the family of her bridegroom. This is an important incentive for her parents to insist on the operation.
3. In most of the cultures concerned, marriage is the only way for females to find economic security. However, without the operation they have no chance of finding a husband.

Obviously, changing these conditions is a very tall order.