Sunnah Cupping

Cupping (Hijama) is of Three Types:

Dry cupping – This is the process of using a vacuum on different areas of the body in order to gather the blood in that area without incisions (small, light scratches using a sterile surgical blade).

Dry massage cupping – This is similar to dry cupping but olive oil is applied to the skin (before applying the cups) in order to allow easy movement of the cups.

70% of diseases, pains and ailments are due to the blood being unable to reach certain parts of the body. Dry cupping and dry massaging cupping allow the blood to reach these places. Dry and massage cupping may be self-administered in the comfort and privacy of your own home – any day of the week or month. There are no restrictions.

Although dry and massage cupping are very beneficial, they are not from the Sunnah. However, they fall under the general Hadeeth: “For every disease there is a cure so if the medicine comes upon the disease it cures it by the will of Allah, the Most High.” [Saheeh Muslim (2204)].

Wet cupping– This is the process of using a vacuum at different points on the body but with small incisions in order to remove ‘harmful’ blood which lies just beneath the surface of the skin (it is recommended that wet cupping is only administered by a qualified cupping therapist).

Wet cupping is best administered at certain times of the day and days of the week. It is also from the Sunnah. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “Indeed in cupping there is a cure.” [Saheeh Muslim (5706)]. Also, “Whoever performs cupping on the 17th, 19th or 21st day (of the Islamic, lunar month) then it is a cure for every disease.” [Sunan Abi Dawud (3861)]. However, cupping for ailments and pains (therapeutic cupping) can be done any time of the month or day.

Anas ibn Maalik Radhi Allahu Anhu reported that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “Indeed the best of remedies you have is cupping …” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5371)]. Abdullah ibn Abbas Radhi Allahu Anhu reported that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “I did not pass by an angel from the angels on the night journey except that they all said to me: Upon you is cupping, O Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam.” [Sunan ibn Maajah (3477)].

The Best Days For Cupping (Hijama)

The best days for cupping are the 17th, 19th and 21st of the Islamic, lunar month which coincide with Monday, Tuesday or Thursday, but it can be done from the 17th to the 23rd of the lunar month when the moon is still waxing (not waning) on any day too. As for the Islamic day and night, the night enters before the day. So at sunset on Tuesday, Wednesday night comes in. Some Ahadith indicate that Wednesdays should be avoided.

Areas of Cupping

Anas ibn Maalik Radhi Allahu Anhu reported that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was treated with cupping three times on the two veins at the side of the neck and the base of the neck.[Sunan abi Dawud (3860), ibn Maajah (3483)].

Abdullah ibn Abbas Radhi Allahu Anhu reported that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was cupped on his head. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5699)].

Jabir ibn Abdullah Radhi Allahu Anhu reported that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was treated with cupping on his hip for a pain in that area. [Sunan abi Dawud (3863)].

Anas ibn Maalik Radhi Allahu Anhu reported that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was treated with cupping when he was in Ihram, on the top of his foot, for a pain in that area. [Sunan abi Dawud (1836)].

Ibn al-Qayyim Rahimullah said: “Cupping under the chin is beneficial for pain in the teeth, face and throat, if it is performed in its proper time. It purifies the head and the jaws.”
Cupping on the top of the foot is a substitution for the puncturing of the Saphena, which is a large vein in the heel. It is beneficial for treating ulcers that occur on the thighs and calves, the interruption of menses and skin irritation on the testicles.

Cupping at the bottom of the chest is beneficial for the treatment of sores, scabies and mange on the thighs. It helps against gout, hemorrhoids, elephantiasis and itchiness on the back.” [Zaad al-Ma’aad, 4/53].