In the Name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon our master Muhammad, the seal of prophets, on his family, and all his companions.

Resolution No. 220 (4/23)

on

Clitoral Hood Reduction Surgery (Clitoropexy) in Islamic Jurisprudence

The Council of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, held in its twenty-third Session in al-Madinah al-Munawarah on 19-23 Safar 1440, corresponding to 28 October-01 November 2018.

Having reviewed the research papers submitted to the Academy on Clitoral Hood Reduction Surgery (Clitoropexy) in Islamic Jurisprudence.

Having listened to the extensive discussions.

Resolves the following

1-Clitoral hood reduction in Islamic jurisprudence is the removal of a minimal amount from the prepuce over the clitoris while leaving the clitoris safe. This surgery is called clitoral hood reduction surgery, or clitoropexy.

2- Clitoral hood reduction is an ancient social custom which Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him refined in a way to protect women against excess over the usual reduction limit.

3- Clitoral hood reduction referred to in paragraph (1) is a subject of disagreement among people of knowledge (Muslim scholars), and it is not practised in most Muslim countries. Some scholars deemed its ruling mubah (neutral) following Shariah regulations and conditions which should be available during its application such as medical supervision.

4-It is not permissible to modify any part of the female reproductive system, except what has been mentioned in paragraph (1), because it carries harmful effects on women and their marital life. Shariah forbids such modification, and its perpetrator shall be criminalized according to Shariah. Moreover, the Academy supports the measures taken by Muslim governments to eliminate these offences.

5-Clitoral hood reduction in this resolution does not fall within the scope of female genital mutilation (cutting), which is prohibited in Islam and condemned by international health organizations, particularly the World Health Organization.

Recommendation

The Council of the Academy requests the World Health Organization to reopen the subject of female genital mutilation in partnership with religious, social, and medical leaderships, to improve its understanding, knowledge on its Islamic ruling, as well as to update its religious information and perceptions.

Contemporary medical experts and institutions should be consulted when a woman is in necessary need to undergo clitoral hood reduction surgery, and in order to clarify the difference between clitoral hood reduction and other forms of circumcisions unanimously criminalized.

Allah Knows Best