Female Genital Mutilation
The Beginning is Uncertain, as is the End
The direct origins of Female Genital Mutilation are unclear. It has been inferred that when societies became more agrarian, patriarchal domination took greater control, and the practice would happen to ensure rightful inheritance of private property. Some anthropologists believe it was done to ensure differences between males and females at puberty. It's been found that FGM was practiced by the Egyptians, Phoenicians, Hittites, and Ethiopians in the 5th century B.C.E.
FGM has been done in cultures with a variety of religious beliefs. Coptic Christians, Muslims, Black Jews of Ethiopia, Catholic and Protestant converts in countries of Africa, and many more are all guilty of exercising this practice on young girls and women throughout time. However, FGM is strictly a cultural belief. There has been extensive research done and absolutely no evidence of requiring female circumcision of any kind to be performed has been found in any religious text including the Koran.
FGM has been done in cultures with a variety of religious beliefs. Coptic Christians, Muslims, Black Jews of Ethiopia, Catholic and Protestant converts in countries of Africa, and many more are all guilty of exercising this practice on young girls and women throughout time. However, FGM is strictly a cultural belief. There has been extensive research done and absolutely no evidence of requiring female circumcision of any kind to be performed has been found in any religious text including the Koran.
