Religious leaders' position toward female genital cutting and their perspectives on the relationship between the Islamic religion and this practice.

This study aimed to understand the position of religious leaders toward female genital cutting (FGC) and their perspectives on the relationship between the Islamic religion and FGC. In-depth interviews were conducted with 29 religious leaders in Erbil governorate, Iraqi Kurdistan region from June 2016 to May 2017 using a semi-structured interview guide. Most interviewees supported the continuation of FGC or thought that it should be at least permissible. Religious requirement and reducing the sexual activity of girls and women were the primary reasons for supporting FGC. The religious leaders disagreed about whether Islam requires, encourages, permits, or discourages the practice. The religious leaders generally agreed that most of the Islamic religious scripts about FGC are weak, and no clear and strong hadiths encourage FGC. However, they believed that some hadiths suggest that Islam requires FGC and that no hadiths prohibit FGC. The absence of open opposition to FGC in a context in which legislation has banned this practice was notable. The position of many religious leaders toward FGC is potentially shaped by the cultural interest in feminine chastity and virginity. Religious leaders need to explore different Islamic law schools and consider the religious disagreement and medical evidence about FGC.