Hijama, also known as cupping therapy, is a well-known practice in Islamic tradition and is often associated with Prophetic medicine. Authentic hadith mention hijama as a beneficial remedy, and many Muslims continue this Sunnah practice today. In this article, we will explore what Islam says about hijama, authentic hadith references, possible benefits, recommended times, and important guidelines every Muslim should know.
What is Hijama in Islam?
Hijama, also known as cupping therapy, is a traditional treatment recognized in Islamic tradition and commonly associated with Prophetic medicine (Tibb an-Nabawi). The Arabic word Hijama comes from the root meaning “to suck” or “to draw out,” referring to the method of using suction cups on the skin.
In Islamic teachings, hijama is mentioned in narrations about treatment and health practices. Many Muslims view it as a Sunnah-linked practice because authentic narrations mention the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ speaking positively about it.
Hijama generally involves placing cups on specific parts of the body to create suction. In wet cupping, small superficial skin incisions are made after suction as part of the procedure. Today, it is practiced both for traditional wellness purposes and in some modern complementary therapy settings.
Authentic Hadith About Hijama
Islam contains several narrations mentioning hijama (cupping), showing that it was a known treatment during the time of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Below are widely cited narrations that should be presented carefully with proper references.
1. Hijama as a beneficial remedy
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Indeed in cupping (hijama) there is a cure.”
Reference: (Saheeh Muslim 5706)
2. Among the best treatments
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Indeed the best of remedies you have is cupping (hijama)…”
Reference: (Saheeh al-Bukhari 5371)
3. Recommendation regarding treatment
It is narrated that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“If there was something excellent to be used as a remedy then it is cupping (hijama).”
Reference: (Saheeh Sunan abi Dawud 3857)
4. The Prophet ﷺ himself underwent hijama
It was Narrated from Ibn Buhaina:
“The Prophet ﷺ, while in the state of Ihram, was cupped at the middle of his head at Liha-Jamal.”
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari 1836)
Benefits of Hijama in Islam
Hijama is viewed in Islamic tradition as a beneficial treatment because authentic hadith mention it positively. However, benefits should be presented honestly—based on Islamic texts and reasonable modern understanding, without making exaggerated medical claims.
Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas: The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Healing is in three things: in the incision of the cupper, in drinking honey, and in cauterizing with fire, but I forbid my Ummah (nation) from cauterization (branding with fire).”
(Saheeh al-Bukhari 5681, Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah 3491)
Whenever someone would complain of a headache to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, he would advise them to perform cupping (hijama).”
(Saheeh Sunan abi Dawud 3858)
1. A Sunnah-linked healing practice
Since authentic narrations mention hijama favorably, many Muslims consider it a beneficial Sunnah-associated treatment when done correctly.
2. Traditional support for pain relief
Hijama has historically been used for headaches, muscle tension, back pain, and general body discomfort in traditional medicine systems.
3. Encourages holistic wellness
Islam encourages caring for the body as an amanah (trust). Safe therapeutic practices that support wellbeing can fall within that broader principle.
4. May help circulation and relaxation
Modern complementary therapy practitioners often describe cupping as potentially helping blood circulation and muscle relaxation, though scientific evidence varies depending on the condition.
5. Spiritual benefit through following Sunnah
If a Muslim chooses hijama with the intention of following authentic Prophetic guidance, that intention itself can carry spiritual value.
Important note: Hijama is not a guaranteed cure for every illness, and serious medical conditions should be evaluated by qualified healthcare professionals.
When is the Best Time to Perform Hijama?
There are two ways Muslims discuss the timing of hijama: general therapeutic need and specific reported recommended times in narrations.
If hijama is needed for treatment, many scholars mention that it may be performed whenever medically necessary, rather than delaying needed care for a specific date.
Some narrations mention particular days connected with hijama, but scholars differ regarding the strength and interpretation of some reports. Because of this, it is best to distinguish between medical necessity and optional preferred timing.
From a practical perspective, hijama should ideally be performed when:
- You are in stable health and not extremely weak
- You are properly hydrated (unless following specific practitioner guidance)
- It is performed by a trained and hygienic practitioner
- Medical conditions such as anemia, bleeding disorders, pregnancy complications, or serious illness are considered first
If hijama is being done for health treatment rather than specifically as a Sunnah preference, necessity takes priority over waiting for a certain day.
Sunnah Days for Hijama
When discussing specific “Sunnah days” for hijama, it is important to distinguish between widely circulated reports and narrations that meet strict authenticity standards.
While some reports mention particular lunar dates for hijama, scholars differ regarding the strength of those narrations. Since this article focuses only on stronger authentic sources, it is safer not to present disputed reports as firmly established Sunnah.
What is authentically established is that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ approved of hijama and personally underwent cupping, which shows its permissibility and benefit in principle.
Therefore, if hijama is needed for treatment or wellbeing, it may be performed as needed under proper guidance rather than relying on weak or disputed timing reports.
Narrated Abu Hurayrah: The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever performs cupping (hijama) on the 17th, 19th or 21st day (of the Islamic, lunar month) then it is a cure for every disease.”
(Saheeh Sunan abi Dawud 3861) Grade: Hasan (Al-Albani)
Can Women Do Hijama
Yes, women are permitted to undergo hijama in Islam, as the general rulings regarding permissible medical treatment apply to both men and women.
There is no authentic evidence that restricts hijama only to men. However, Islamic guidelines regarding modesty, privacy, and proper treatment conditions should be observed.
Important considerations include:
- Hijama should be performed in a safe, hygienic environment
- A female practitioner is preferable when possible for women
- Proper awrah (modesty) boundaries should be respected
- Special care should be taken during pregnancy, severe weakness, anemia, or existing medical conditions
As with any treatment, if there are health concerns, professional medical advice should be considered before proceeding.
Is Hijama Allowed While Fasting?
Islamic scholars have discussed whether hijama affects the validity of fasting, and there are differing scholarly opinions based on the interpretation of authentic hadith.
One authentic narration states that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“The cupper and the one being cupped have broken the fast.”
Reference: Sunan Abi Dawud 2367 – Grade: Sahih (Al-Albani)
However, another authentic narration reports that:
Ibn Abbas (RA) said: “The Prophet ﷺ underwent cupping while he was fasting.”
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 1938
Because of these narrations, scholars differed in their rulings. Some scholars held that hijama breaks the fast, while others concluded that it does not, especially if it does not cause significant weakness.
For Muslims who wish to be cautious, it may be better to perform hijama after breaking the fast unless there is a medical need.
Important Islamic Guidance for Hijama
Hijama is a permissible treatment in Islam, but like any medical or therapeutic practice, it should be approached responsibly and within Islamic ethical boundaries.
Important guidelines include:
1. Ensure proper hygiene
Hijama should only be performed using clean, sterile equipment to reduce the risk of infection or harm.
2. Use a trained practitioner
An experienced and qualified practitioner is strongly recommended, especially for wet cupping procedures.
3. Avoid exaggerated claims
Hijama should not be presented as a guaranteed cure for every illness. Islam encourages benefit, but honesty and responsibility are essential.
4. Observe Islamic modesty
Awrah boundaries should be respected, and women should ideally seek female practitioners when possible.
5. Consider medical conditions
People with bleeding disorders, severe weakness, pregnancy-related concerns, anemia, or serious health issues should seek proper medical advice first.
6. Intention matters
If a Muslim chooses hijama with the intention of following authentic Prophetic guidance, that can be a spiritually meaningful intention alongside seeking treatment.
Modern Medical Perspective on Cupping Therapy
Modern medicine generally classifies cupping therapy as a complementary or alternative treatment rather than a primary medical cure. Some people report benefits such as temporary relief from muscle tension, back pain, headaches, and general relaxation, though scientific evidence varies depending on the condition being treated.
Dry cupping and wet cupping are both practiced in different settings, but wet cupping requires extra hygiene precautions because it involves minor skin incisions.
Medical professionals often advise caution in certain situations, including:
- Bleeding disorders
- Severe anemia
- Pregnancy complications
- Skin infections
- Serious chronic medical conditions
- Use of blood-thinning medications
While some individuals find cupping beneficial, it should not replace qualified medical diagnosis or necessary treatment for serious health conditions.
Final Thoughts
Hijama is a well-known practice in Islamic tradition and is mentioned in authentic hadith as a beneficial treatment. Many Muslims continue to practice it as part of Prophetic medicine and personal wellness, while observing proper Islamic guidelines and safety precautions.
At the same time, authenticity and balance are important. Islam encourages seeking beneficial treatment, but it also discourages exaggeration and unsupported claims. Hijama should therefore be approached responsibly, with proper hygiene, qualified practitioners, and realistic expectations.
For Muslims who choose hijama with the intention of following authentic Prophetic guidance while caring for their health, it can be both a meaningful Sunnah-associated practice and a form of responsible self-care.
May Allah guide us to follow authentic Prophetic guidance with wisdom, sincerity, and balance. Ameen.
