Circumcision of a girl

Question

Question: What is the ruling on having a girl circumcised — is it permissible or not? If it is permissible, from which place should it be done? May a husband circumcise his wife or not? Circumcising minor boys and girls is sunna. If boys and girls have reached maturity, should they be circumcised or not? Is covering (of the body) necessary, or is circumcision necessary?

Answer

The circumcision of a girl at the place of circumcision (mawdi‘ al-khitan) is established; it was a custom among the Arabs. However, it is not sunna for women in the way that it is sunna for men; therefore there is no emphasis upon them, and no one will be compelled. For the circumcision of girls who have reached the age of hijab, their covering will not be breached.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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