M. Bitar, George Banna:

muslim  Brotherhood says that circumcision is a “right” before it is a duty or a crime. Female circumcision is an honor for women, as male circumcision is not that important because it does not affect his sexual characteristics. Female circumcision is the opposite, as the intention behind it, as religious scholars claim, is to modify the woman’s desire so that it is moderate, and moderation means modifying desire. Scientifically, circumcision does not modify the woman’s desire, but rather eliminates her pleasure. We think that the ignorant intention is to turn the woman into an object and deprive her of sexual pleasure.

Faced with this intention and concept, one stands bewildered and astonished by the barbaric depth of this practice. Who allowed the sheikhs to modify a woman’s sexual desire and destroy her sexual pleasure? How can a believer in God justify his distorted act against the will of his Lord? Can this practice be called “infidelity”? And if it is indeed infidelity, why don’t religious authorities condemn it?

 Female circumcision is a despicable and criminal act. It is said that excessive female circumcision removes her sexual desire, thus preventing the male from fulfilling his purpose. Therefore, the esteemed scholars advise against excessive cutting and amputation in order to achieve the male purpose. That is, what is important is the male, while the woman is merely a moderate vulva that cannot satisfy men’s desires, according to their misguided opinion, and is sufficient to satisfy the male’s lust! And where is the injustice in that, O men? Scientifically, circumcision does not eliminate a woman’s sexual desire, but rather her pleasure in engaging in sexual relations with any man. That is, as a result, it increases her desire and passion to search for one man after another in search of a pleasure that has been eliminated.

   Ignorant people say that modifying a woman’s sexual desire is necessary because “if she is uncircumcised (meaning: not circumcised), she will be extremely lustful and desireful. This is why it is said in insults: ‘O son of an uncircumcised woman.’ The uncircumcised woman looks at men more. This is why there are more immoral acts among the women of the Tatars and the women of the Franks than among the women of the believers. If there is exaggeration in circumcision, the desire is weakened, so the purpose of the male is not fulfilled. So if it is cut without exaggeration, the purpose is achieved in moderation… And God knows best. All the justifications and explanations of the sheikhs are scientifically wrong.”

 The Arab-Eastern mind has many characteristics, including its increasing detachment from reality. This detachment has valid reasons, the most important of which is the attachment of this thought to the civilization of a bygone era. The reality of life today is represented by a different civilization, distinct from the ancient one. With time, the divergence increases, and the alienation grows, leading to increased rigidity and intransigence regarding past positions. This thought cannot break free from the shackles of the past, nor is it capable of creating a new thought. The goal of the Muslim Brotherhood is not to develop concepts to suit the times, because development is considered forbidden heresy. Moreover, forcing the modern era to conform to ancient concepts is difficult or impossible. So what is to be done in this situation?

   There is no solution to the problem of female genital mutilation (FGM) without a fundamental shift in thinking that acknowledges a woman’s right to enjoy sexual intimacy. The problem is twofold: firstly, it requires acknowledging women’s rights, which is extremely difficult and even more so, a form of heresy; secondly, it requires taking a clear and unequivocal stance against FGM, which is also very difficult. Therefore, these people resort to denial, asking what the problem is with FGM when it’s practically nonexistent, given that 90% of Egyptian women are circumcised, which supposedly demonstrates its low prevalence! These “fake” secularists, as the Muslim Brotherhood calls them, should focus on the serious problems facing the nation. You’ve been bombarding us with FGM everywhere, and your only concern seems to be fighting and distorting religion. Stop your hatred and fear God!

One feels somewhat embarrassed by this proposal. Is the problem being deliberately blown out of proportion? At least others feel that the issue of circumcision is being deliberately exploited and exaggerated in order to undermine the religion. Feeling does not always require an objective background!