Muslim Australians - Religion Cultural Diversity Resource Manual

Female circumcision
Female circumcision (also known
as ‘female genital cutting’ or ‘female
genital mutilation’), which is the
cutting away of a part of the female
genitals, has no Islamic basis or
justification. There is nothing
legitimate in the Qur’an or the
traditions of the Prophet to suggest
that Muslims should engage in this
practice. As a result, most Muslims
around the world do not engage in it.
Where it is done, it is largely a local
cultural practice (at times justified
on the basis of religion). In Islam,
boys are circumcised, although even
here it is only recommended, not an
obligatory duty.
Female circumcision is a procedure
that is performed on girls usually
before puberty. There are three types
of female circumcision, which vary in
degree of surgery performed. Because
a part (or sometimes all) of the
clitoris is surgically removed, female
circumcision appears to leave women
with reduced or no sexual feeling.
The most dramatic form is called
infibulation where the outer lips of
the vagina are sewn together, leaving
a small hole for bodily fluids to pass
out. Infibulation is extremely painful
and has many dangerous health risks.
Those who promote female
circumcision believe it has health
benefits and makes women more
‘beautiful’. They also see it as
reducing feelings of sexual arousal
in women so that they are less likely
to engage in pre-marital sex or
adultery. Those who want female
circumcision banned argue that it
leaves women permanently mutilated
and vulnerable to many sexual and
physical problems.
Female circumcision exists in some
communities around the world,
particularly in parts of Africa. If it is
common in the area where they live,
Muslims also tend to practise it.
Arranged marriage
In the West and in many non-
Western societies, couples usually get
married through a ‘love match’. The
man and woman meet without any
intention to marry. They begin seeing
each other; they fall in love and
become involved in each other’s lives.
If things work out well, they may get
married. Otherwise, they move on to
another relationship.
In some cultures, arranged marriage
is quite common. This can have
many forms. One is that parents or
guardians select the bride or groom,
having considered social status,
relationship, profession, or the wealth
of both. The bride and groom may or
may not have any say in this arranged
marriage.
Another form of arranged marriage is
planned marriage, where individuals
or their parents search for a possible
marriage partner (either through
friends, specialised agencies, elders,
or even family). Once they find a
possible partner, they meet with the
intention of getting married.
Muslim Australians:THEIR BELIEFS, PRACTICES AND INSTITUTIONS 39