Supreme Islamic Council Rule Female Circumcision an ‘Islamic Virtue’
By Awa Sanneh
In a move that sparked outrage, the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council has issued a fatwa, or religious ruling upholding female circumcision as a “virtuous” Islamic practice – putting the influential religious body at odds with laws banning the controversial procedure.
In a press briefing, the council stated female genital mutilation or circumcision, as it is commonly referred to, has roots in Islamic texts and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. However, it emphasised that any procedures must adhere to specific guidelines to prevent harm to women.
Female genital mutilation (FGM) remains a deeply entrenched cultural practice in The Gambia, where an estimated 75% of women have undergone some form of the procedure, despite a law banning it.
The issue has sparked divisive debates – with critics viewing FGM as a violation of human rights that can have serious physical and psychological consequences, while supporters consider it an important Islamic and cultural tradition.
The Supreme Islamic Council’s stance has now added a new dimension ahead of Gambian lawmakers’ consideration of repealing the existing ban on FGM through proposed amendments to the women’s rights act.
Deputy Secretary of the SIC, Kemo S. Fatty reiterated the council views female circumcision as a tenet of Islamic Sharia law rather than just tradition. “We want all Gambians to know that we are following the footsteps of our beloved prophet,” he stated.
Drawing upon Islamic scriptures, the council asserted that female circumcision is among the “virtues of Islam” and “Sunnah practices dictated by the Messenger of Allah.”
It cited several Hadith from Prophet Muhammad as evidence of the practice’s legitimacy and mentioned circumcision as one of the “five practices characteristic of the Fitra (nature).”
However, the council said it only endorses a “legal form” involving cutting a tiny portion of the clitoris without harming the labia or removing the entire genital organ – known as Pharaonic circumcision.
It called on Gambian authorities to reconsider criminalising female circumcision under this interpretation and penalise only harmful practices.
The deeply polarising issue creates challenges for the government caught between upholding human rights and respecting Islamic beliefs and cultural norms practiced by a substantial portion of the population.