What is
cupping therapy (Hijama)?
Wet cupping, or medical bleeding, is called Hijama in Arabic. The procedure is performed
by drawing blood through suction from a small incision in the skin. It is one
of the oldest and effective methods of releasing toxins from the body. Cupping
relieves pain and pressure from the area in which it is performed by applying
negative pressure; it helps in getting rid of negative
pathogens by drawing out excess blood. Cupping helps in increasing blood
circulation and it helps in the treatment of many health problems and also boosts
the immune system. [1] [2]
Prophetic method of performing Hijama
Here are a number of authentic narrations about
cupping. [3]
In an authentic narration, Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him) states
that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “If there is any good in your medical
treatments, it is in the knife of the cupper, drinking honey, or cauterization
with fire, as appropriate to the cause of the illness, but I would not like to
be cauterized.” [4]
According to a hadeeth (prophetic tradition) that was narrated by Anas
ibn Maalik, may Allah be pleased with him, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“I did not pass by any group on the night when I was taken on the Night Journey
(Isra’), but they said to me, ‘O Muhammad, tell your Ummah to do cupping.’” [5]
Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with them both) reported that the
Prophet (peace be upon him) was treated with cupping, and he paid the cupper his
fee.” [6]
Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the
Messenger of Allah was treated with cupping by Abu Tayyibah. He commanded that
he should be given two measures of food, and he spoke with his tax-collectors,
who reduced his taxes. He said, “The best treatment you can use is cupping.” [7]
The best days for cupping
Various narrations state that the best days of the week
for cupping are Monday, Tuesday, and
Thursday while the best dates are the 17th, 19th and the
21st of the Islamic lunar month.
When talking about Islamic days, the night enters before
the day. To illustrate what this means, Tuesday after sunset is when Wednesday
night starts, therefore it is better to perform cupping during the daytime on
any of the days or dates mentioned above.
Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported
that the Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever wants to perform
cupping then let him search for the 17th, 19th and 21st." [8]
Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) reported
that the Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "Cupping on an empty stomach
is best. It increases the intellect and improves the memory. It improves the
memory of the one memorizing. So whoever is going to be cupped then (let it be)
on a Thursday in the name of Allah.
Keep away from being cupped on a Friday,
Saturday, and Sunday. Be cupped on a
Monday or Tuesday. Do not be cupped on a Wednesday because it is the day that
Ayub (Job) was befallen with a trial. You will not find leprosy except (by
being cupped) on Wednesday or Wednesday night." [9]
If one is not able to be cupped on the 17th, 19th or 21st
(coinciding with Monday, Tuesday or Thursday) then any Monday, Tuesday or
Thursday of the month is fine.
Cupping while
fasting or while in the state of Ihram
Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both)
reported that the Messenger (peace be upon him) was cupped on his head for a
unilateral headache while he was in Ihraam. [10]
Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both)
reported that the Messenger (peace be upon him) was cupped while he was
fasting. [11]
Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) was
asked: "Did you dislike cupping for the fasting person?" He said,
"No, except for the reason of one becoming weak." [12]
It appears that cupping is allowed but disliked as Anas
ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) mentioned because the fasting person
becomes weak if they perform cupping, and Allah knows best.
Areas of cupping
Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported
that the Messenger (peace be upon him) was treated with cupping three times on
the two veins at the side of the neck and the base of the neck. [13]
Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both)
reported that the Messenger (peace be upon him) was cupped on his head. [14]
Abdullah ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both)
reported that the Messenger (peace be upon him) used to cup his head and would
call it (the place at the top of the head) "Umm Mugheeth." [15]
Cupping for women
Jaabir ibn Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him)
reported that Umm Salama (one of the wives of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased
with her) asked permission from the Messenger (peace be upon him) to be treated
with cupping so the Messenger (peace be upon him) ordered Abu Teeba (may Allah
be pleased with him) to cup her. Jaabir ibn Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with
him) said, " I think he (meaning the Messenger, peace be upon him) said
that Abu Teeba (may Allah be pleased with him) is her brother through
breastfeeding or was a young boy who didn't reach puberty". [16]
Who should do
cupping for you?
Cupping should be done by an
experienced professional. They should use equipment that is properly
cleaned and sterilized or use new instruments for every client. It is important
to make sure that the procedure is done properly and the cupper should make
sure that no blood reaches the stomach of the patient.
The International Cupping Therapy Association (https://www.cuppingtherapy.org/) is an organization that aims to educate people about
the many benefits of cupping therapy. It has partnered with EarthSpa R&D,
makers of high-quality and reliable cupping therapy equipment, to allow people
to undergo the treatment hassle and worry-free. In addition to cupping, they
promote Decompressive Release Techniques (DRT) which also provide a wide range
of therapeutic and health benefits.
They have offices in Idaho and Washington
State and can be contacted at the address above for workshop information,
equipment, and general queries.
If you were on the fence about this prophetic medical
procedure, we hope this post does away with any doubts or uncertainties you may
have had and we hope you are able to perform and benefit from this highly
recommended treatment.
References
[4] Reported by al-Bukhaari, 10/139
[5]Reported by Ibn Maajah; it has
corroborating evidence which strengthens it
[6] Reported by al-Bukhaari, 10/124; Muslim 1202
[7] Reported by al-Bukhaari, 10/126; Muslim, 1577
[8] Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3486)
[9] Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3488)
[10] Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5701)
[11] Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5694)
[12] Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (1940)
[13] Saheeh Sunan Abi
Dawud (3860), Ibn Maajah (3483)
[14] Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5699)
[15] Saheehah (753), Saheeh al-Jaami' (4804)
[16] Saheeh Muslim (5708), Abu Dawud (4102), Saheeh ibn Maajah (3480)
