Religious standpoint on female circumcision requested

Islamic Ministry has requested for the viewpoint of the Fatwa Council regarding female circumcision after a request from the Health Protection Agency.

A letter from the Islamic Minister Dr. Ahmed Zahir sent on January 5, to the president of the Fatwa Council Sheikh Mohamed Rasheed requested to provide the religious standpoint on female circumcision as soon as possible.

An official of the Islamic Ministry stated that it was the procedure followed to request the Fatwa Council’s opinion on such religious matters. No reply from the Fatwa Council for the letter has been received according to the official.

It is also not known as to why the HPA made such a request.

Female circumcision was a common practice in the country before it was eradicated from the country in the 1970s.

Research has shown that it can have a negative and life-threatening effect on children. Efforts by the WHO against the practice has seen it eradicated from several countries. However, there are still some countries where the practice is conducted.