Ministry of Islamic Affairs has revealed that the Fatwa on female genital mutilation was requested at the behest of the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

According to a press statement released by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, public health falls under the mandates of HPA as per the law. As such, the ministry revealed that HPA asked for clarification regarding female circumcision or female genital mutilation, specifically requesting a fatwa on the topic.

The statement explains that requests to the fatwa council can only be submitted through the Minister of Islamic Affairs, hence, HPA had to request for a fatwa via the minister. Highlighting that the public is under the impression of the ministry being behind the fatwa request, they further reiterated that the fatwa was not requested for any work by the ministry.

Moreover, they emphasise that the ministry is responsible to clarify all doubts related to religion, therefore, the ministry will continue addressing the public's doubts according to the procedure.

Following public outrage, the Ministry of Health publicised a memo nullifying the fatwa request, stating that female genital mutilation is not in line with the administration's policies. Stressing that the administration does not support female genital mutilation, the ministry claims Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen has declared that there is no need for a second opinion on the matter.