The ruling of circumcision for women

Question:

Is circumcision obligatory upon women?

Answer:

In Sahih Muslim, on the authority of the ‘Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, that the Prophet ﷺ said:

(إذا جلس بين شعبها الأربع ومسّ الختان الختان فقد وجب الغسل)

“If he sat between her four limbs and the two circumcisions met, then the ghusl becomes obligatory.”

In this hadith is a proof that the women would circumcise at the era of the Messenger ﷺ.

And in the two Sahihs on the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet ﷺ said:

(الفطرة خمس: الختان..)

“The Fitrah are five: Circumcision…”

Until the end of the hadith.

This (the mention of Circumcision) is general, it includes both the male and female circumcision.

Circumcision in regards to the women is [also] called:
(خفضاً) (Khafd)

And there is no differing on it being preferred, as mentioned by Ibn-Ul-Qayyim and Ibn Hazm has relayed a concensus upon this.

Its obligation (however) was differed upon, and the most correct position is that it’s Mustahab (preferred), and there is nothing established which points to it being obligated.

And Allah knows best.

Answered by:
Shaykh Abu Hatim Yusuf Al-‘Inaabi Al-Jazaa’iree – may Allaah preserve him.

Source:
t.me/abouhatem/339

Answered on:
9th, Jumādl Ūwla, 1438H.

Translated by:
Abu ‘Abdirrahman ‘Abdullaah bin Ahmed Ash-Shingaani