For example, the Mandingo, Massai, and Swahili, inhabitants of East Africa, believe that female circumcision makes the body fertile and prepares it for an assigned place within the social order (Little, 1988). Despite the differences, a commonality exists among these African groups and their reasons for practicing female circumcision: Islamic and other African religions are one of the primary foundations of female circumcision in Africa.
The sources of the Islamic faith are found in the Qur"an (Muslim scripture), the Hadith (teachings of the Prophet Mohammed), the consensus of the entire Islamic community, and the ijihad (Islamic interpretations of Islamic law). There is no reference to female circumcision in the Qur"an. However, the Prophet Mohammed's Hadith contains several references to the practice. For example, the Prophet Mohammed is recorded saying "Do not cut severely as that is better for a woman and more desirable for a husband (Ahmad, 2000)." In addition, Mohammed stated "if you cut, do not overdo it, because it brings more radiance to the face.(Ahmad, 2000)." Furthermore, a number of non-recorded, religious fables describe the early foundations of female circumcision in Africa. .
In addition to the Islamic religion, other African religious groups practice female circumcision. Scholars argue the story which involves Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar, explains the origin of female circumcision according to Christianity. According to the story, Sarah forces Abraham to circumcise Egyptian born Hagar. God commands Abraham and Sarah to circumcise themselves because of their actions. Christians that adhere to female circumcision interpret this story as God's acceptance of the practice (Chessler, 1997). However, "the Bible, like the Qur"an does not specifically mention female circumcision (Chessler, 1997)." Some Christian groups promote traditional customs and support female circumcision as a link to Africa's past.
You have just been subjected to female circumcision. ... There are four main reasons for performing female circumcision. ... The risks of female circumcision extend from infertility to perineum damage. ... Female circumcision is an important part of the societies that practice it. ... Now ask yourself is female circumcision morally wrong. ...
Female circumcision is practiced worldwide. ... Female circumcision is practiced in Africa to this day. ... In Africa, there are four main forms of female circumcision. ... The actual number of deaths resulting from female circumcision is unavailable. ... In a society, which requires female circumcision, women are the minority group. ...
Female circumcision is practiced worldwide. ... Female circumcision is practiced in Africa to this day. ... In Africa, there are four main forms of female circumcision. ... The actual number of deaths resulting from female circumcision is unavailable. ... In a society, which requires female circumcision, women are the minority group. ...
FEMALE CIRCUMCISION Male circumcision has been done around the world since the era of B.C. ... Female circumcision however is done in different procedures and has many "purposes" as to why this practice takes place. Female circumcision, commonly known as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is practiced in over 30 countries in the world. ... The first procedure is called Sunna Circumcision. ... Althaus says, "Female Circumcision is an integral part of the societies that practice it, where patriarchal authority and control of female sexuality and fertility are given. ...
Female circumcision, the partial or total cutting away of the external female genitalia, has been practiced for centuries in parts of Africa, generally, as one element of a rite of passage preparing young girls for womanhood and marriage. ... The practice of female "circumcision," or traditional female genital surgery, is simultaneously complex and controversial. ... There are significant medical sequelae and public health ramifications of female circumcision; therefore most U.S. physicians probably would agree that programs to abolish it should continue. ... Female circumcision is ...
In The Science, Rogaia Mustafa Abushard explains female circumcision, a ritual performed in Africa and parts of Asia. ... The circumcision has much serious health risks including depression, miscarriages, AIDS, and other infectious diseases, or even the possibility of death. A majority of these women would not have subjected their children to circumcision if they were aware of the health risks involved. ...
Without religious or racial prejudice, who is to affirm whether male circumcision and female genital modification are a basic human right or cruel punishment that must be put to an end immediately? As to if male circumcision and female genital modification should be performed, is a controversial question. ... Though there is much controversy placed on male circumcision, there is none more placed than on female genital modification. ... So while male circumcision seems to be a matter of humans" rights, female genital modification can fall in none other than humans" rights abuse. In countries su...
Female circumcision is just recently becoming an issue. This practice has been going on for centuries in the African and Arabic communities. This practice is done to keep women "pure" before they are married. In most cases it is done in unsanitary conditions using razor blades, scissors, kitchen ...
Female Circumcision: Rite of Passage or Violation of Human Rights? ... In Africa, female circumcision has been an integral part of society for centuries. ... Female circumcision has stood as part of their cultural and ethnic identity; and some perceive it as a religious obligation. ... Female circumcision is an integral part of societies that practice it, where patriarchal authority and control of female sexuality and fertility are unspoken traditions. ... Assuming the sequence of events towards implementation was rallied by the majority of the Kenyans, the government has the right to st...
