Religion and FGM/C
There is a widespread belief that religion and FGM/C are linked, but this is an oversimplification. Although practised in both Christian and Muslim countries, and by a minority of Ethiopian Jews, FGM/C pre-dates the major religions. The Bible, Torah, and the Quran all promote the idea that the human body, as designed by God or Allah, should be protected, respected, and remain unaltered.
Historically, Christian missionaries in the colonies condemned FGM/C as barbaric, while many newly converted African Christians continued cutting their daughters, viewing it as an important cultural practice. FGM/C is not practised in most Islamic countries. Among those following the Sunni school of thought, which supports the practice, there are ongoing attempts by religious leaders to separate the cultural practice of FGM/C from Islam. Fatwas have been issued, for example, in Somaliland and Puntland, declaring infibulation non-Islamic. However, these fatwas tend to ban only infibulation (WHO Type 3), leaving less severe types, often referred to as sunnah (non-obligatory practices in Islam), supported by many religious leaders.
Faith leaders are influential members of communities across Africa, on cultural, social, educational, and health-related issues. It is, therefore, natural that they play a strong role in determining attitudes and behaviours on FGM/C. In most countries where FGM/C is practised, faith leaders are increasingly seen as pivotal agents of change: robustly opposing FGM/C, particularly its most severe forms; speaking publicly against it in churches, mosques, and community gatherings; and setting an example by not having their daughters undergo FGM/C.