Must Baby Girls Be Circumcised?

Answered by Shaykh Muhammad Carr

Question

Is it a must to circumcise baby girls when they are born, as we do with baby boys? Please clarify according to the Shafi’i madhab.

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

Thank you for your question.

Firstly, FGM (female genital mutilation) as clitoridectomy (partial or total removal of the clitoris), excision (partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora), infibulation (narrowing of the vaginal opening), and other harmful procedures to the genital area is not permitted in Islam.

Secondly, although female circumcision is deemed obligatory in the Shafi‘i school, Shafi‘i scholars worldwide typically do not adhere to the relied-upon (mu‘tamad) position of the Madhhab.

The practice of circumcision in girls has become virtually obsolete, likely due to the stipulation that fulfilling this obligation should not cause harm to the circumcised individual. The obligation to fulfill this practice is null and void without a guarantee to prevent damage.

The Extent of Circumcision in Females

The only procedure scholars permitted was the removal of the extra labial or prepuce skin alone without damaging or harming the actual genitals, clitoris, or removing the glans, etc. In Islamic law, the removal of this very minor portion of extra skin is termed circumcision. [Younas, Seekers Guidance]

Imam Nawawi states, “Minimizing the extent of skin removal is preferable. Abu Dawud narrated that the Prophet (May Allah give him peace and blessings) advised the circumciser: ‘Avoid excess in your cutting, as it is indeed better for the woman and more desirable to the husband.'”. [Khatib, Mughni al-Muhtaj]

Difference of Opinion

Hasan Basri opined that circumcision is recommended as many accepted Islam and did not circumcise. Others opine that it is obligatory for males and recommended for females. [Ibid] The Hanafi school considers female circumcision religiously neutral (mubah) and done to please her husband, much like other forms of beautification.

All of our teachers, notably Moulana Taha Karaan, did not practice nor promote the Shafi‘i view on female circumcision. It would be prudent for you to adopt the Hanafi view on this matter.

Distinction Between Circumcision and FGM (Female Genital Mutilation)

For a clear distinction between female circumcision in Islam and female genital mutilation, please see here.

I pray this is of benefit and Allah guides us all.

[Shaykh] Muhammad Carr

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Muhammad Carr has dedicated his life to studying and transmitting our beautiful deen. His studies have taken him around the globe, where he has benefitted from many luminaries. Under the guidance of his teachers – Shaykh Taha Karan, Shaykh Yaseen Abbas, Shaykh Muadh Ali and many others – Shaykh Muhammad has grown to appreciate the beauty and benefits of diverse scholarship. He completed his memorization of the Qur’an at Dar al-Ulum Zakariyyah in September 1997 and received an Alimiyya Degree in 2006 from DUAI (Darul Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah). He is also affiliated with Masjid Auwal in Bo Kaap, Cape Town (the oldest mosque in South Africa), where he serves as a co-imam, and Dar Al-Safa, where he has taught since 2018. As a teacher, he imparts the wisdom of our heritage and tradition by opening the door for students. As an imam, he has the unique opportunity to serve his community in daily life.
In addition to his roles as a teacher and imam, Shaykh Muhammad Carr has contributed significantly to the administrative and advisory aspects of Islamic institutions. Since 2023, he has served as the Administrative Director at The Imam Kurani Institute, contributing to the institution’s growth and development. He continues to pursue traditional Islamic Sciences, possessing a keen interest in Islamic Contract Law and Finance. Shaykh Muhammad has been a Shari’ah Board Member for Islamic Asset Management & Insurance Companies since 2001, aligning financial practices with Islamic principles.