Question
Is female genital mutilation allowed in Islam considering the fact that women face various complications such as infections, bleeding and even death?
Answer
I gather your question pertains to female circumcision. This is not genital mutilation. Mutilation of any organ of the body is haraam in Shariah. That is why male circumcision is not called ‘mutilation’. Female circumcision is permissible in Shariah. However, if it leads to infection, disease, and death, then it will not be allowed.
The reason why females suffer in this regard is that people are not conducting this type of circumcision in the correct manner. In certain cultures, males who have been circumcised also developed complications. In a few cases this has led to death. This is because the procedure was not carried out correctly.
Where cases like this have developed with females, it is necessary for the Ulema in those areas to speak out against this practice and to stop people from continuing. Female circumcision is not compulsory as is male circumcision. Those Ulema and Scholars who allow it, only do so because they believe it enhances pleasure at the time of sexual intercourse. But I have not come across any hadith to support this.
Allah knows best
Mufti Siraj Desai
Darul-Uloom Abubakr