In a Facebook post, activist Madi Jobarted has criticized the Supreme Islamic Council’s fatwa on female circumcision issiued Thursday, calling it a perpetuation of violence against women in the interest of patriarchy. Jobarted argued that the fatwa does not serve the best interest of Islam or Muslim girls and women, but rather serves the interest of men hiding behind religion.

Jobarted highlighted that erudite Islamic clerics, scholars, and medical professionals have given expert opinions against female circumcision. Many Muslim-majority countries have banned the practice, and organizations like the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have issued declarations and fatwas to prohibit it.

The activist emphasized that the OIC represents the entire Muslim world and its decisions come after extensive consultation across the ulamas of the faith. Ignoring and countering the OIC’s position on female circumcision, according to Jobarted, does not put The Gambia on the right side of history and Islam.

Jobarted urged the Supreme Islamic Council to reconsider its fatwa, stating that the practice of female circumcision is an exercise of unthinking stubbornness that can harm Islam and The Gambia’s reputation in the eyes of the ummah and the world. Drawing a comparison with neighboring Senegal, where the practice has been banned without backlash, Jobarted emphasized the need to act according to faith, knowledge, humility, and honesty.

The activist concluded by warning that if the Supreme Islamic Council does not reconsider its decision, history will come to confront them in a severe way. Time will tell, Jobarted added, urging action for the well-being of girls and women.