Hijama or cupping is technique used by prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to cure illness. It also helps in promoting health and proper maintenance of body. Hijama is strongly recommended to everyone and its practice is stress upon through various Ahadith. In Arabic, It means ‘drawing out’. It is now acknowledged as an alternate method to cure various diseases.
It is a safe, economical, and non-invasive method for curing and preventing various diseases and ailments. The Chinese practice of cupping is limited to specific medical conditions, such as lung infections, colds, and joint pain, targeting internal organs. However, the scope of Hajama extends far beyond these restricted applications
It is evident from the various Ahadith that prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was cupped (treated with Hijama Therapy) while fasting and while he was in Ihram.
Anas ibn Maalik (RA) was asked: “Did you dislike cupping for the fasting person?” He said, “No except for the reason of one becoming weak.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (1940)].
Abu Saeed Al Khudhree (RA) said, “The Messenger (PBUH) validated cupping for the fasting person.” [Saheeh (4/74)].
It seems that cupping is allowed during fast, but it is disliked. As Anas ibn Maalik (RA) mentioned, reason being that the person who is becomes weak if they perform it and Allah knows best.
The use of cupping as a curing technique and its importance in Islam can be supported by the following Ahadith:
“Indeed in Hijama there is a cure”. [Saheeh Muslim]
“O Mohammed, order your ummah (people) with Hijama”. –[Saheeh, Tirmidhi]
“Hijama is the most helpful procedure for human beings to cure themselves.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
“Indeed, the best of remedies you have is hijama (cupping)”. [ Saheeh Al Bukhari]
“The best medicine with which you treat yourselves is Hijama [Bukhari: 5371]
“If there was something excellent to be used as a remedy then it is Hijama [Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah]
