Hijama Cure Centre

What is cupping (hijama)?

Cupping (hijama) is the best remedy recommended and used by the Messenger peace be upon him. The Messenger r said, "Indeed the best of remedies you have is cupping (hijama)…" [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5371)]. He r also said that on the night of Israa (his ascension to the heavens) he r did not pass by an angel except that it said to him, "Oh Muhammad, order your Ummah (nation) with cupping (hijama)." [Saheeh Sunan Tirmidhee (3479)]. This shows the importance and greatness of this Sunnah.

'Hijama' in arabic is derived from 'hajm' which means 'sucking'. Cupping (hijama) is the process of applying cups to various points on the body by removing the air inside the cups to form a vacuum.

Cupping (hijama) is of three types:

Dry cupping (hijama) - 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 or).

Dry massage cupping (hijama) – This is similar to dry cupping (hijama) 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 (hijama) and dry massaging cupping (hijama) allow the blood to reach these places.

Dry and massage cupping (hijama) may be self-administered in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Dry and massage cupping (hijama) may be administered any time of the day, any day of the week or month. There are no restrictions.

Although dry and massage cupping (hijama) are very beneficial, they are not from the Sunnah. However, they fall under the general hadeeth:

The Messenger r said, "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 (hijama) - 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 (hijama) is only administered by a cupping therapist).

Wet cupping (hijama) is best administered at certain times of the day and days of the week. Please see below.

Wet cupping (hijama) is from the Sunnah. To obtain maximum benefit from cupping (hijama), it is recommended that all three methods of cupping are used.

Is cupping (hijama) a cure for every disease?

Cupping (hijama) is a cure for every disease if performed in its correct time. The Messenger r said, "Indeed in cupping (hijama) there is a cure." [Saheeh Muslim (5706)]. r 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)].

There are specific points on the body where the cups are applied for each ailment. Please see our 'Where To Cup' section for this.

Is cupping (hijama) from the Sunnah?

Above are just some of the authentic narrations which show that cupping (hijama) is from the Sunnah of the Messenger r.

The Messenger r said, "Whoever revives a Sunnah from my Sunnah and the people practise it, s/he will have the same reward of those who practise it without their reward diminishing…" [Sunan ibn Maajah (209)].

Cupping (Hijama) Is The Best Of Remedies

Anas ibn Maalik y reported that the Messenger r said, "Indeed the best of remedies you have is cupping (hijama)…" [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5371)].

Abu Hurairah t reported that the Messenger r said, "If there was something excellent to be used as a remedy then it is cupping (hijama)." [Saheeh Sunan abi Dawud (3857), Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3476)].

The Angels Recommending Cupping (Hijama)

Abdullah ibn Abbas y reported that the Messenger r 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 (hijama), O Muhammad." [Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3477)].

In the narration reported by Abdullah ibn Mas'ud y the angels said, "Oh Muhammad, order your Ummah (nation) with cupping (hijama)." [Saheeh Sunan Tirmidhee (3479)].

Cupping (Hijama) Is A Preventive Medicine

Anas ibn Maalik y reported that the Messenger r said, "Whoever wants to perform cupping (hijama) then let him search for the 17th, 19th and 21st day (of the Islamic, lunar month) and let none of you allow his blood to rage (boil) such that it kills him."[Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3486)].

Anas ibn Maalik y reported that the Messenger r said, "When the weather becomes extremely hot, seek aid in cupping (hijama). Do not allow your blood to rage (boil) such that it kills you." [Reported by Hakim in his 'Mustadrak' and he authenticated it and Imam ad-Dhahabi agreed (4/212)].

In Cupping (Hijama) There Is A Cure And A blessing

Abdullah ibn Abbas y reported that the Messenger r 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-Bukhaaree (5681), Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3491)].

Jaabir ibn Abdullah y reported that the Messenger r said, "Indeed in cupping (hijama) there is a cure." [Saheeh Muslim (5706)].

Ibn Umar y reported that the Messenger r said, "Cupping (hijama) on an empty stomach* is best. In it is a cure and a blessing..." [Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3487)].

* 'alaa ar-reeq in arabic means to fast until after being treated with cupping. Once the treatment of cupping has been completed, one may eat and drink.

Cupping (Hijama) In Its Time Is A Cure For Every Disease

Abu Hurairah t reported that the Messenger r 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)].

The Best Days For Cupping (Hijama)

The best days for cupping (hijama) are the 17th, 19th and 21st of the Islamic, lunar month which coincide with Monday, Tuesday or Thursday.

Anas ibn Maalik y reported that the Messenger r said, "Whoever wants to perform cupping (hijama) then let him search for the 17th, 19th and 21st…" [Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3486)].

Ibn Umar y reported that the Messenger r said, "Cupping (hijama) on an empty stomach* is best. In it is a cure and a blessing. It improves the intellect and the memory. So cup yourselves with the blessing of Allah on Thursday. Keep away from cupping (hijama) on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday to be safe. Perform cupping (hijama) on Monday and Tuesday for it is the day that Allah saved Ayoub from a trial. He was inflicted with the trial on Wednesday. You will not find leprosy except (by being cupped) on Wednesday or Wednesday night." [Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3487)].

Ibn Umar y reported that the Messenger r said, "Cupping (hijama) on an empty stomach* is best. It increases the intellect and improves the memory. It improves the memory of the one memorising. 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 Ayoub was befallen with a trial. You will not find leprosy except (by being cupped) on Wednesday or Wednesday night." [Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3488)].

* 'alaa ar-reeq in arabic means to fast until after being treated with cupping. Once the treatment of cupping has been completed, one may eat and drink.

As for the Islamic day and night, the night enters before the day. So at sunset on Tuesday, Wednesday night comes in. Cupping (hijama) is best performed during the daytime between the adhaan of fajr and the adhaan of maghrib because yawm in arabic means daytime.

The Sunnah days for cupping (hijama) every month are when the 17th, 19th or 21st of the Islamic, lunar month coincide with a Monday, Tuesday or Thursday. These are the best and most beneficial days for cupping (hijama). 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. The most beneficial days for cupping (hijama) after the Sunnah days are the closest Monday, Tuesday or Thursday to the 17th, 19th or 21st of the Islamic, lunar month and Allah knows best.

Cupping (Hijama) May Be Used For:

Headaches

Salma t, the servant of the Messenger r said, "Whenever someone would complain of a headache to the Messenger of Allah r, he r would advise them to perform cupping (hijama)." [Saheeh Sunan abi Dawud (3858)].

Magic

Ibn al-Qaiyum (may Allah have mercy on him) mentions that the Messenger r was cupped on his head when he was afflicted with magic and that it is from the best of cures for this if performed correctly. [Zaad al Ma'aad (4/125-126)].

Poison

Abdullah ibn Abbas y reported that a Jewish woman gave poisoned meat to the Messenger r so he r sent her a message saying, "What caused you to do that?" She replied, "If you really are a Prophet then Allah will inform you of it and if you are not then I would save the people from you!" When the Messenger r felt pain from it, he r performed cupping (hijama). Once he travelled while in Ihram and felt that pain and hence performed cupping (hijama). [Ahmed (1/305) the hadeeth is hasan (good chain with all the paths)].

Strengthening One's Intelligence And Memory

Ibn Umar y reported that the Messenger r said, "Cupping (hijama) on an empty stomach* is best. In it is a cure and a blessing. It improves the intellect and the memory..."[Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3487)].

* 'alaa ar-reeq in arabic means to fast until after being treated with cupping. Once the treatment of cupping has been completed, one may eat and drink.

Dislocation/Bruising

Jaabir ibn Abdullah y reported that the Messenger r fell from his horse onto the trunk of a palm tree and dislocated his foot. Waki' t said, "Meaning the Messenger r was cupped on (his foot) for bruising." [Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (2807)].

Cupping (Hijama) While fasting Or In The State Of Ihram

Abdullah ibn Abbas y reported that the Messenger r was cupped on his head for a unilateral headache while he was in Ihraam. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5701)].

Abdullah ibn Abbas y reported that the Messenger r was cupped while he was fasting. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5694)].

Anas ibn Maalik y 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)].

This is not affected by the hadeeth, "The cupper and the one being cupped have broken their fast." [Saheeh see Irwaa al-Ghaleel (931)]. This is because the hadeeth is abrogated as Sheikh al-Albaani and ibn Hazm (may Allah have mercy upon them) showed by the following hadeeth:

Abu Sa'eed al-Khudhree t said, "The Messenger r validated cupping for the fasting person." [Saheeh see Irwaa al-Ghaleel (4/74)].

It appears that cupping (hijama) is allowed but disliked as Anas ibn Maalik y mentioned because the fasting person becomes weak if they perform cupping (hijama) and Allah knows best.

Areas of Cupping (Hijama)

Anas ibn Maalik y reported that the Messenger r was treated with cupping (hijama) three times on the two veins at the side of the neck and the base of the neck. [Saheeh Sunan abi Dawud (3860), ibn Maajah (3483)].

Abdullah ibn Abbas y reported that the Messenger r was cupped on his head. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5699)].

Abdullah ibn 'Umar y reported that the Messenger r used to cup his head and would call it (the place at the top of the head) "Umm Mugheeth." [Saheehah (753), Saheeh al-Jaami' (4804)].

Jaabir ibn Abdullah y reported that the Messenger r was treated with cupping (hijama) on his hip for a pain in that area. [Saheeh Sunan abi Dawud (3863)].

Anas ibn Maalik y reported that the Messenger r was treated with cupping (hijama) when he was in Ihram, on the top of his foot, for a pain in that area. [Saheeh Sunan abi Dawud (1836)].

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said, "Cupping (hijama) 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 (hijama) 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 me**es and skin irritation on the testicles.

Cupping (hijama) 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, 4/58].

Cupping (Hijama) For Women

Jaabir ibn Abdullah y reported Umm Salama (may Allah be pleased with her) asked permission from the Messenger r to be treated with cupping (hijama). So the Messenger rordered Abu Teeba t to cup her. Jaabir ibn Abdullah y said, " I think he r said that Abu Teeba t is her brother through breastfeeding or a young boy who didn't reach puberty".[Saheeh Muslim (5708), abu Dawud (4102), Saheeh ibn Maajah (3480)].

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions and answers on cupping (hijama) by a cupping (hijama) expert.

Question 1: Which are the best days of the week for cupping (hijama)? Can cupping (hijama) be performed on 17th, 19th and 21st if they coincide with a Wednesday?

Answer: The best days for cupping (hijama) are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and there is a prohibition for cupping (hijama) on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. However, cupping (hijama) can be performed, out of necessity or due to sickness, on these days. As for Wednesday, then cupping (hijama) is not allowed to be performed at all.

If the 17th, 19th and 21st coincide with a prohibited day such as a Wednesday then one must not perform cupping (hijama) on this day due to the prohibition. If the 17th, 19th and 21st day coincide with Friday, Saturday or Sunday then you can perform cupping (hijama) due to a (dire) need. The Messenger r 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)].

Question 2: What is the ruling for performing cupping (hijama) on Wednesday and Wednesday night (which precedes it)?

Answer: Cupping (hijama) is prohibited on Wednesday due to a strong prohibition of cupping (hijama) on that day and this includes its’ night.

Question 3: What is the ruling for performing cupping (hijama) on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and their nights?

Answer: There are narrations prohibiting cupping (hijama) on these days. However, when one is sick or is in dire need then cupping can be performed on these days.

Question 4: What is the ruling for performing cupping (hijama) on the nights of Monday, Tuesday and Thursday?

Answer: It is allowed to perform cupping (hijama) on these days due to no narrations authentically prohibiting these days.

Ibn Umar y reported that the Messenger r said, "Cupping (hijama) on an empty stomach is best. In it is a cure and a blessing, increases memory and intellect, Perdorm cupping upon the blessing of Allaah on Thursday. Keep away from Cupping on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Perform Cupping on Mondays and Tuesdays for they are the days Allaah cured Ayub from a trial. Keep away from cupping on Wednesday for it was the day Ayub was inflicted (with a desease) and Leprosy is a result for cupping on Wednesday or the night of Wednesday" [Hadeeth Hasan as mentioned by Sheikh Al-Albaani in Saheeh Al-Jaami’].

Question 5: Are these following five places from the Sunnah:

a)1,55 al-Kaahil.

b)43, 44 Al-Akhda'ain.

c) Top of the head Umm Mugheeth.

Answer: These are from the main points for cupping (hijama) and they are reported in the Sunnah. Cupping (hijama) is performed wherever it is required, such as the top and bottom of one's back, the middle of one's shin, or the back of one's heel.

Question 6: Are there any other Sunnah points for cupping (hijama)?

Answer: It is reported that the Messenger r performed cupping (hijama) at the back of the heel due to pain being present there.

Question 7: Is it from the Sunnah to keep repeating the cupping (hijama) every month or every year if the person is ill or not ill?

Answer: For a normal person it is good to do cupping (hijama) every three months. As for the sick person then every month because cupping (hijama) is considered from the Prophetic medicine and he r advised people to perform it. So it is a cure as well as implementing the Sunnah of the Messenger r.

Question 8: Is it from the Sunnah to have a bath after cupping (hijama) and after how many hours should one take a bath?

Answer: It is not from the Sunnah to have a bath after cupping (hijama) and also a person may be harmed such as the wound may become infected. Therefore, bathing should be after the wound has healed a day or two after cupping (hijama).

Question 9: Are there any signs that a person has magic, jealousy toward him/her, or evil eye after cupping (hijama)?

In most cases the person who has magic done to him/her will vomit after cupping (hijama) and sweat much. As for the latter two then they will find it very difficult to continue cupping (hijama).

Question 10: What do the following signs in the blood mean; bubbles, strands of blood, white strands, blood bubbling over?

Bubbles: Could be due to air coming out due to hair or a broken cup.

Strands of blood: Proof that the blood is not clean or the blood is clotting quickly due to blood clots in the body.

White strands: This seems to be due to a particular disease and clearly the blood is not clean.

Blood Bubbling Over: Could be due to high blood pressure.

THE WAGES OF THE CUPPING THERAPIST

The Messenger r said, "The earnings of a cupper is degraded." [Muslim, kitaab al-masaaqah 41/000 (3988)].

The Messenger r said, "The worst of earnings are the wages of a pr******te, the price of a dog and the fee of a cupper." [Muslim, kitaab al-masaaqah 40/1568 (3987) Tirmidhee 1275].

It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah t said, "The Messenger r forbade the earnings of a cupper." [al-Nasaa’i (4673), classed as saheeh by Sheikh al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Nasaa’i].

The Messenger r Paid A Cupper Who Cupped Him

The report narrated by al-Bukhaaree (2102) and Muslim (kitaab al-masaaqah 62/1577 no.4014) from Anas ibn Maalik y who said, "Abu Taybah t cupped the Messenger r and he r ordered that Abu Taybah t be given a saa’ of dates."

The report narrated by al-Bukhaaree (2103) from Ibn ‘Abbaas y who said, "The Messenger rwas cupped and he gave something to the one who treated him. If it had been forbidden, he would not have given him anything." This is the wording of al-Bukhaaree. He also narrated another version (2279) which says: "And he gave the cupper his wages; if he knew that it was disliked, he would not have given him anything."

These narrations seem contradictory but Imam Nawawi said, "The scholars have differed over the earnings of the cupper. Most of them from the early and present generations are in the opinion that it is not forbidden… this is what is well known from the madhab of Ahmed…"[Shahr Saheeh Muslim 10/233].

Sheikh Bin Baz in the explanation of Buloogh al-Maram tape no. 18 said, "In the hadeeth of Ibn 'Abbas y is a proof to show that it is allowed to do cupping and take a wage for it even if the earning of the cupper is considered degrading, there is no problem if he is given a wage…it is not considered forbidden and this is why the Messenger r gave the one who cupped him his wage. Ibn 'Abbas y said, "if it was forbidden then he wouldn't have paid him… it is better for the cupper not to take anything or he should seek a profession other than cupping."

Sheikh ibn 'Uthaimeen rahimahullaah said that the word khabeeth has different meanings, it could mean forbidden as in the Verse:

{ ويحل لهم الطيبات ويحرم عليهم الخبائث }

[soorah 'Araaf:157]

It could refer to something disliked as in the statement of the Messenger r regarding onions: "It is from a disliked tree," or it could refer to something degrading as in the Verse:

{ولا تيمموا الخبيث منه }

Soorah al-Baqarah: 267]]

The fact that the word Khabeeth could have these different meanings then we cannot say that it is forbidden since the Shariah principle says whenever there is more than one meaning then it cannot be used as proof to say that it is forbidden and this is

why the Messenger r paid the cupper.

Sheikh Saalih ibn Fawzan was asked regarding the wage of the cupper. He replied that it is allowed but disliked and that it is better for the Muslim to choose a profession to live by which is better that cupping and if he takes a wage then that is allowed since the Messenger r himself paid the cupper after being cupped. If it was forbidden, he wouldn't have paid him. [fatwa no. 13886].

A questioner asker sheikh Zaid al-Madkhali on the earnings of the cupper and he replied, "The Messenger r performed cupping and in return gave the cupper his wage for it but at the same time the Messenger r also said the earning of the cupper is degrading so this means that it is forbidden for him to eat, drink and clothe himself from it but rather he uses it for example in paying rent for his dwelling."

In conclusion, we sincerely recommend that the cupping therapist follows the Sunnah of not charging a set fee for hijama and we sincerely recommend that the patient follows the Sunnah of paying the cupping therapist. Some cupping therapists charge as much as £50 per cup and some patients are reluctant to pay the cupping therapists even for the materials or have paid as little as £2 for a session. Although these incidents are rare, they only harm the Sunnah of hijama as it puts cupping therapists off from either offering hijama or from not charging a set fee. Also, charging high prices puts the patients off from being cupped. We sincerely recommend that the patient pays approximately between £20-35 for a cupping session. The patient should bear in mind the following when paying the cupping therapist:

1. The extra cost and time a cupping therapist incurs when they travel to the patient.

2. The length of time the cupping therapist spends with the patient.

3. The number of cups the cupping therapist performs on the patient.

We would also sincerely advise the patient to make sure that they have sufficient funds before booking the appointment and they pay the cupping therapist immediately after the cupping session. Finally we would also advise the patient to give the cupping therapist plenty of notice when cancelling a booking especially bookings made on the Sunnah days.

We pray these recommendations will help revive the Sunnah of the Messenger r and also bring about love and a good feeling in the community for those we revive hijama.

HOW TO CUP

70% of diseases, pains and ailments are caused due to the blood being unable to reach certain places in the body. Dry cupping (hijama) and dry massaging cupping (hijama) allow the blood to reach these places.

Each cup has a valve at the top with a valve bar. The suction handle (pikestaff) has a rubber muzzle at the end (this is the tip of the suction handle).

This muzzle is manually attached to the valve of the cup. The cup is then placed on the surface of the skin. The air in the cup is extracted using the suction handle/pump (pull rod). This forms a vacuum.

The suction handle can be detached from the cup.

The cup will remain attached to the surface of the skin due to the vacuum.

To release the cup, the rubber k**b at the top of the cup is pulled to allow air back inside and thus releasing the cup.

The suction, extension tube allows self therapy for difficult to reach points on the body, for example points on the back. The tube is attached to the muzzle and valve of the cup at one end and the muzzle of the suction handle at the other end.

There are 4-16 acupressure magnets in each box. A magnet may be attached to the inside of the cup before applying the cup to the surface of the skin, for dry cupping (hijama) only. This increases the therapeutic effectiveness of cupping. The magnet may be inserted into the four largest-sized cups, sizes 1-4. Cup sizes five and six are too narrow and cannot be used with the acupressure magnets.

Dry and massage cupping may be self-administered in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Each cupping box is accompanied by an instruction booklet. Below are further instructions:

Dry Cupping

Place as many cups as required on and around the affected area, for example the area of pain, using the suction handle. Depending on the strength of the suction and the patient, the tensions can be made; light tension, medium tension and strong tension.

A magnet may be attached to the inside of the cups before applying the cups to the surface of the for dry cupping (hijama). The magnet may be inserted into the four largest-sized cups, sizes 1-4. Cup sizes five and six are too narrow and cannot be used with the acupressure magnets.

Leave for 5-10 minutes.

Release the cups.

Repeat daily until symptoms cease.

Massage Cupping

Apply a small amount of a vapour rub or mint oil (optional) and a generous amount of olive oil to the affected area.

Place 1 cup on the affected area using the suction handle (using 1 suction pull to form a very light grip of the cup).

Massage the affected area using the cup by moving it whilst it is attached to the surface of the skin.

re-apply olive oil if necessary.

Massage for 10 minutes or longer.

If the cup slips off, re-apply using the suction handle.

Repeat daily until symptoms cease.

The suction pump and extension tube maybe used for massage cupping (hijama).

Massaging the back daily for 10 minutes is very beneficial. It revitalises the organs and improves circulation. It is the equivalent of walking 2km.

After consulting a professional doctor, one should note the following:

children over one years old should be dry and massage cupped using a very light grip of the cups.

over 60's should be dry and massage cupped using a very light grip of the cups.

pregnant women should avoid cupping during pregnancy except if they are over-due and wish to go into labour. In this case, they should have dry and massage cupping between the knee and ankle on both legs.

Dry and massage cupping may be performed on any day and at any time. They do not necessarily need one to have an empty stomach.

Wet Cupping

Important - It is recommended that wet cupping is only administered by a cupping therapist.