An article published yesterday in the Indian Muslim Observer gives a fascinating and in depth report on FGC in Bohra communities. It shines a light on the work of a Bohra activist, Tasleem (who has posted above) who speaks out against FGC as ‘inhuman, unjust and un-Islamic.’ Tasleem is gathering a petition to send to the Bohra High Priest His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin, ordering a ban on the custom. Writing to a journalist at the Indian Muslim Observer, Tasleem shares her knowledge of FGC within Bohra communities:

“Only a small percentage of the progressive Dawood Bohri community has stopped this practice… This is essentially done to prevent homosexuality, masturbation, and to subdue a girl’s desires so that she doesn’t marry out of the community or have extra-marital relationships.”

Danish Ahmad Khan of the the Indian Muslim Observer writes that Bohra sects in Western India pride themselves on being modern and progressive in their views on education and family planning. Yet FGC remains prevalent in up to 90% of the community. The practice is closely tied to religious custom, much of this owing to the considerable hold that religious leaders have within communities, rather than the religious texts directly.

Tasleem’s work to involve the Bohra High Priest His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin in her campaign is an affective way to challenge people’s assumptions about FGC and break the cycle of this out of date custom. At Orchid we are fully fledged believers in community led change and support Tasleem’s proactive work in the campaign to end FGC.