Did you know that Islam outlaws female genital mutilation?

Question

http://www.yoursdaily.com/world_news/middle_east/islam_outlaws_female_genital_mutilation

What do you think of this quote?

"The German human rights organization had invited "TARGET-Ruediger Nehberg" to this conference. Its two presidents, Ruediger Nehberg and Annette Weber, have been engaged in fighting FGM on location in Africa since 2000. They brought into being a "Pro-Islamic Alliance", because they regard Islam as their strongest partner in ending this cruel tradition with the ethics and the power of Islam. At so-called TARGET desert conferences, they had already been able to achieve great successes in Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Mauritania. The conference at the Azhar is the greatest highlight so far. Most of all, it also shows the strong positive forces in Islam. "

Answer 1

I lived in Pakistan up to the age of 19 and then on in my home country Bangladesh. I have never ever heard or read in newspaper a single case of FGM anywhere in our part of the world.

I remember first time I read about FGM was through either Times magazine or Reader's Digest that in some African countries girls are subjected to this inhuman practice as part of their tribal ritual for all the girls when they would reach certain age, prior to marriage.

This news of FGM was widely covered at that time since the subject girl later became world renowned model when she was spotted in the UK while serving her African Diplomat master as their housemaid.

So, all on a sudden I am getting the impression that somehow this African tradition of FGM has been wrongly attributed to the Muslims in general. This is done after the 9/11incidents either by accident or by design.

Either way, if someone's agenda is to malign religion - Islam and its followers - Muslims, then no matter what we say these would fall on deaf ear.

What is more important, I believer, now is that let the WHO, UNICEF, and such international organizations to come forward and educate people with the help of leaders of such African states (where this practice is being performed) and save the girls and women from this horrible experience and resultant undignified lifestyle.

FGM has been wrongly touted to be part of Islamic culture (by Anti-Islamic elements) since they found that male circumcision is a ‘Sunnat’ in Islamic tradition, meaning, this would be appreciated as our Prophet (pbuh) has prescribed it. We are never ashamed of male circumcision which has also been performed by others following the Books (Torah in particular) I suppose, if not for health reason. This has nothing to do with FGM and we never knew a single case of FGM in Indo-Pak subcontinent, Indonesia, Malaysia, Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and such other Muslim populated countries, except the African countries.

PS. I think the time has come for the leaders of 40+ Members of the Organisation of Islamic States (OIC) to forcefully come forward and address this evil of FGM the way world communities are trying to eradicate HIV, TB, Small Pox, Malaria and such life threatening diseases.

Answer 2

This si a foolish question isn't it? I mean the bible outlaws adultery of all kinds, theft, murder, eating pig and other animals, eating animals that were died with their blood in them, eating fat, disrespecting people, and by the way, the list goes on for a long time. And yet all of this stuff happens in Christian countries. Going to war against other believers is also outlawed, and yet it happens. Get over yourself and stop thinking that just because the Qur'an says something that every mulim goes by the letter. Its not true of Chrisitians and Chrisitianity, so why on earth should it be true of a different faith?

Answer 3

Yes, I did. But who's even accusing Muslim nations anymore? The places where FGM is still most practiced are Sub-Saharan African countries where Islam or Christianity may be the main beliefs, but animism and cultural practices rule.

Answer 4

The statement is accurate. Female genital mutilation is a primarily tribal tradition that has, for whatever bizarre reason, managed to hang around for too long. Islam does not endorse it, though sadly it does happen in Muslim controlled areas.

It's nice to see some hope for enlightenment once in a while.

Answer 5

Neato! The basis of freedom is what is worth fighting for. The FGM is just one LACK of freedom that plagues the world. Does Islam support freedom consistently?

Answer 6

Not everybody agrees with you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhT3rroMllE

Answer 7

LOL...nice propaganda....but kill the jews, christians, hindus, budhists and other muslims is A OK!!! take a hike.

Answer 8

Did you know that Yahoo! Answers isn't your soapbox? Reported for spamming.

Answer 9

What?! no quotes from the quran? For this one I want references--chapter & verse please.