Clitoral Hood Reduction Surgery (Clitoropexy) in Islamic Jurisprudence
In the Name of Allāh,
the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
Praise is due to Allāh, Lord of the worlds, may the blessings and peace be upon our master Muḥammad, the last of prophets, on his family, and all his companions.
Resolution No. 220 (4/23)
Clitoral Hood Reduction Surgery (Clitoropexy) in Islamic Jurisprudence
The Council of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, holding its 23rd session in al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on 19–23 Ṣafar 1440h (28 October – 1 November 2018),
Having examined the research papers submitted to the Academy concerning
Clitoral Hood Reduction Surgery (Clitoropexy) in Islamic Jurisprudence, Having listened to the in-depth discussions on the subject,
Resolves
- Clitoral hood reduction in Islamic jurisprudence is the removal of a min- imal amount from the prepuce over the clitoris while leaving the clitoris This surgery is called clitoral hood reduction surgery or clitoropexy.
- Clitoral hood reduction is an ancient social custom that Prophet Muhammad SAW advised to refine in a way to protect young females against excess over the usual reduction limit.
- Clitoral hood reduction referred to in paragraph (1) is the subject of disa- greement among Muslim scholars, and it is not practiced in most Muslim Some Fiqh scholars deemed it permissible, provided it is done within Shariah criteria and conditions, which should be observed during its application, including medical supervision.
- It is forbidden to modify any part of the female reproductive system, ex- cept what has been mentioned in paragraph (1) because it has harmful ef- fects on women and their marital Shariah forbids such modification, and its perpetrator is criminalized, according to Shariah. Moreover, the International Islamic Fiqh Academy supports measures taken by Muslim governments to eliminate these violations.
- Clitoral hood reduction in this resolution does not fall within the scope of female genital mutilation or cutting, which is prohibited in Islam and
condemned by international health organizations, particularly the World Health Organization.
RecommendationS
- The Council of the Academy requests the World Health Organization to reo- pen the issue of female genital mutilation in partnership with religious, social, and medical leaderships, to enhance its understanding and knowledge of its Islamic ruling as well as to update its religious information and
- Contemporary medical experts and institutions should be consulted when a woman needs to undergo clitoral hood reduction surgery and in order to clarify the difference between clitoral hood reduction and other forms of genital mutilation which are unanimously criminalized.
Indeed, Allāh is All-Knowing.
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