Salaam Lady Fatima and Kai
re: female circumcision.
While true the practice is pre-Islamic and culture specific, that is no reason for Islam's continued tolerance of female circumcision. Also, do Muslims performing the ritual agree female circumcision is non-obligatory, would be of interest to hear their views on matter.
I did read the jannah.org article concerning practice and expected an ending, "a jug of wine, a loaf of bread and thou," of course, with the proper citation. Just a joke, Lady Fatima, article did speak well in some place. Although personal opinion of the author and Muslims here, are within religious boundaries, those opinions are not the issue. The author, citations, as well as every Muslim here, agree the ritual falls within permissible of Islam, hence legal. Kai's contention is also female circumcision is indeed within realm of Shariah, hence, necessarily Islamic. Perhaps mere legalism, but Kai didn't invent Islam legalism which govern Muslims.
Though conceded many girls may willfully undertake the procedure, that does not help the many girls who have little choice in the "honour." It may be even said all religions have some difficulties along the edge, but do Muslims need to search texts and history before saying, enough. With fair degree of certainty I can say, the procedure will persist as long as there is equivocally speech for it.
Now, does female circumcision disprove the Quran...of course not. But it does point to a religion bent on discerning the mind of Allah and Mohammed with excessive legalism, which is contrary to discovery with the right spirit.
BTW: Is this Traditional or Orthodox.
regards, joseph