{وَالَّذِي هُوَ يُطْعِمُنِي وَيَسْقِينِ وَإِذَا مَرِضْتُ فَهُوَ يَشْفِينِ}
And He feeds me and quenches my thirst and when I fall sick then He (Allah) cures me. [Soorah Shu'araa: 80]

Some scholars of Tafseer explain that there is a relation between what we eat and drink and falling sick since most people fall ill because of their diet as has been alluded to in this verse of the Quran. This could be a reason why Allah mentioned that Ibrahim (as)  recognized that Allah is the One who provides sustenance for us but that sickness is due to our own self and this is why sickness is mentioned after food and drink in this verse.

{وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ الْقُرْآَنِ مَا هُوَ شِفَاءٌ وَرَحْمَةٌ لِلْمُؤْمِنِين}

And We sent down of the Qur’an that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe. [Soorah Israa: 82]

A healing to ‘those who believe’ showing the importance of rectifying our belief and actions such that we are true believers if we want the Qur’an to benefit us.

Ayub (as)  called upon his Lord,

{وَأَيُّوبَ إِذْ نَادَى رَبَّهُ أَنِّي مَسَّنِيَ الضُّرُّ وَأَنْتَ أَرْحَمُ الرَّاحِمِينَ}

And remember Ayub when he cried to his Lord: Verily, distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy.[Soorah al-Anbiyaa: 83]

This was when he was inflicted with harm. And the reply came from his Lord:

We answered him and removed the distress that was on him…

[Soorah al-Anbiyaa: 84]

{يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَاءَتْكُمْ مَوْعِظَةٌ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ وَشِفَاءٌ لِمَا فِي الصُّدُورِ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ}

O mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord (Quran) enjoining all that is good and forbidding all that is evil, and a healing for that which is in your breasts, a guidance and a mercy for the believers [Soorah Yunus: 57]

This shows us that the Qur’an has four benefits:

1.  A good advice.

2.  A Cure for our hearts from all diseases.

3.  A Guidance.

4.  A Mercy for mankind.

{قُلْ هُوَ لِلَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا هُدًى وَشِفَاءٌ}

Say: it (the Qur’an) is a healing for those who believe, a guide and healing…[Soorah Fusilaat: 44]

The Messenger (saw)  said,

” ما أصاب أحدا قط هم و لا حزن ، فقال : اللهم إني عبدك ، و ابن عبدك ، و ابن

أمتك ، ناصيتي بيدك ، ماض في حكمك ، عدل في قضاؤك ، أسألك بكل اسم هو لك سميت

به نفسك ، أو علمته أحدا من خلقك ، أو أنزلته في كتابك ، أو استأثرت به في علم

الغيب عندك ، أن تجعل القرآن ربيع قلبي ، و نور صدري ، و جلاء حزني ، و ذهاب

همي ، إلا أذهب الله همه و حزنه ، و أبدله مكانه فرجا . قال : فقيل : يا رسول الله ألا نتعلمها ؟ فقال بلى ، ينبغي لمن سمعها أن يتعلمها “

“There is no-one who is afflicted by distress and grief, and says: 

(O Allaah, I am Your slave, son of Your male and female slaves, my forelock is in Your hand, Your command over me is forever executed and Your decree over me is just. I ask You by every name belonging to You which You have named Yourself with, or revealed in Your Book, or You taught to any of Your creation, or You have preserved in the knowledge of the Unseen with You, that You make the Qur’an the harvest of my heart and the light of my chest, and a departure for my sorrow and a release for my anxiety),’

 but Allah will take away his distress and grief, and replace it with joy.” He was asked: “O Messenger of Allah, should we learn this?” He said: “Of course; everyone who hears it should learn it.”

وَإِنْ يَمْسَسْكَ اللَّهُ بِضُرٍّ فَلَا كَاشِفَ لَهُ إِلَّا هُوَ وَإِنْ يُرِدْكَ بِخَيْرٍ فَلَا رَادَّ لِفَضْلِهِ يُصِيبُ بِهِ مَنْ يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ وَهُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ

And if Allah tests you with affliction, there is none who can remove it but He…[Soorah Yunus: 107]

{وَيَنْصُرْكُمْ عَلَيْهِمْ وَيَشْفِ صُدُورَ قَوْمٍ مُؤْمِنِين}

And He will give you victory over them and heal the breasts of a believing people.[Soorah Tawbah: 14]

The first is not to take the remedy when we know it can help cure us by the will of Allah. The second is that we believe that only the remedy or medicine will cure us. Here, we would fall into a major sin because it is Allah who is the Curer and if He wills we are cured and if He wills we are not. We should believe that only Allah is the Curer otherwise we may fall into shirk (associating partners with Allah).

Therefore, we seek and take the remedy and put out trust in Allah by asking Him to cure us and believing that only He is the Curer.

The Messenger (saw)  would say:

“وَاشْفِ أَنْتَ الشّافِي لا شِفَاءَ إلا شِفَاؤُك”.

“And cure us for You are the Curer, there is no cure but Your cure”

  [Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim].

Aulrahman as-Sa’di (may Allah have mercy on him) likewise shows that we should not rely too much on medicine as though it is the only remedy that can cure us. Rather Allah has made a cure in other aspects that we may not even realize. For example, the story of Yusuf’s (AS)  father who was given a piece of clothing from Yusuf (AS). When Yusuf’s (AS)  father smelt his son’s fragrance, he regained his eyesight and he was cured. The fragrance of Yusuf was a cure for his father’s eyesight. Allah was able to cure Yusuf’s (as) father without a reason but Allah is All-Wise. Similar to this is the story of Ayub u whereby no medication or doctors were able to cure his skin condition. Allah ordered him to hit the ground hard with his foot such that pure water would gush out. Allah then ordered him to drink from it and have a bath from that water. So Allah removed the harm internally and externally from him and Ayub (as) was cured. Therefore, Allah cures His servants by either clear, apparent reasons such as medication or by other not so apparent reasons that even the human intellect cannot comprehend.

 Allah said:

 { وإن يمسسك الله بضر فلا كاشف له إلا هو }

And When Allah wills that you are inflicted with harm there is no one to remove it but him.

 [Soorah al-An’aam:17]

 [Taken from Bahjatu Quloob al-Abraar by Sheikh 'Abdulrahman As-Sa'di (may Allah have mercy upon him) p.24 summarised].

The following are some diseases and ailments and the points where cupping (hijama) may be performed to treat these ailments. Some of these points are on the nerves and some are on the blood vessels. Others are on the power lines (acupuncture), and some are on the reflex points on the back. Some places are on the lymphatic glands, and some are for accumulation of blood. Some are for stimulating endocrine secretions and some are for strengthening the immune system. Others are for strengthening the brain.

Group (A)

• Rheumatism (painful joints) (points 1, 55, in addition to all areas of pain).

• Roughness of knee (points 1, 55, 11, 12, 13 and cupping around the knee and you may add 53, 54).

• Oedema (swollen tissue due to build up of fluid) (points 1, 55, 130, the right and left side of the heel and you may add 9, 10).

• Sciatic pain (nerve pain from the buttock which goes down the leg) (for the right leg) (points 1, 55, 11, 12, 26, 51 and places of pain on the leg especially the beginning and the end of the muscle) (for the left leg) (points 1, 55, 11, 13, 27, 52 and places of pain on the leg especially the beginning and the end of the muscle).

• Back pain (positions 1, 55 and cupping on both sides of the spine and places of pain).

• Neck/shoulder pain (points 1, 55, 40, 20, 21 and places of pain).

• Gout (swollen joints due to excess uric acid) (points 1, 55, 28, 29, 30, 31, 121 and places of pain).

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (points 1, 55, 120, 49, 36 and all large and small joints).

• Paralysis of one half of the body (Hemiplegia) (points 1, 55, 11, 12, 13, 34 or 35 and all the injured joints, massage daily).

• Paralysis of all four limbs (Quadriplegia) (points 1, 55, 11, 12, 13, 34, 35, 36 and all body joints and daily massage).

• Immune system deficiency (points 1, 55, 120, 49).

• Muscle spasm several dry cupping around the affected muscle.

• Poor blood circulation (points 1, 55, 11 and ten cups on both sides of the spine from the top to the bottom in addition to taking a teaspoon of pure organic, raw, apple cider vinegar and honey every other day).

• Tingling arms (points 1, 55, 40, 20, 21, arm muscles and affected joints).

• Tingling feet (points 1, 55, 11, 12, 13, 26, 27, feet joints and affected muscles).

• Abdominal pain (points 1, 55, 7, 8 and dry cupping on 137, 138, 139, 140, as well as dry cupping on the back opposite to the pain).
(Dry Cupping means without any incisions/scratches).

Group (B)

Important Note: The following points are arranged according to their importance. Sometimes, the cupping therapist does not need to use all of the points and sometimes he/she has to use them all, depending on the condition of the disease.

• Hemorrhoids (swollen vessels around anus) (points 1, 55, 121, 11, 6 and dry cupping on 137, 138, 139).

• Anal Fistula (opening in skin near anus, due to formation of a channel through which fluid leaks) (points 1, 55, 6, 11, 12, 13 and cupping around the anus and above the fistula hole).

• Prostate and Erectile dysfunction, ED (male impotence and urinary difficulty due to enlarged prostate gland) (points 1, 55, 6, 11, 12, 13) and you may add for ED 125, 126, 131 on both legs, and dry cupping on 140, 143.(

• Chronic coughs and lung diseases (points 1, 55, 4, 5, 120, 49, 115, 116, 9, 10, 117, 118, 135, 136, and two cups below both knees(.

• Hypertension (high blood pressure) (points 1, 55, 2, 3, 11, 12, 13, 101, 32, 6, 48, 9, 10, 7, 8, and you may replace 2, 3 with 43, 44).

• Stomach problems and ulcers (points 1, 55, 7, 8, 50, 41, 42 and dry cupping on 137, 138, 139, 140(.

• Renal (kidney) disease (points 1, 55, 9, 10, 41, 42 and dry cupping on 137,140).

• Irritable bowel syndrome (abdominal cramps and discomfort characterized by bloating and trapped wind and alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation, often related to anxiety) (points 1, 55, 6, 48, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 45, 46 and dry cupping on 137).

• Chronic constipation (long term difficulty with opening bowels) (points 1, 55, 11, 12, 13, 28, 29, 30, 31).

• Diarrhea (dry cupping on 137, 138, 139, 140).

• Involuntary urination (bed wetting) (after the age of five: dry cupping on 137, 138, 139, 140, 142, 143, 125, 126).

• Depression, withdrawal, insomnia (inability to sleep), psychological conditions and nervousness (points 1, 55, 6, 11, 32 and below the knees).

• Angiospasm and Arteriosclerosis (narrowing of the blood vessels due to muscular spasm or fatty deposits) (points 1, 55, 11) (cupping points are on the places of pain in addition to a teaspoon of pure, organic, raw, apple cider vinegar and honey every other day).

• Inflammation in the lining of the stomach (gastritis) (points 1, 55, 121).

• Excessive sleep (points 1, 55, 36) in addition to a teaspoon of pure, organic, raw, apple cider vinegar and honey every other day).

• Food allergies (one dry cup using a light suction directly on the umbilicus pit [belly button]).

• Sores, leg and thigh abscesses (pus filled spots) and itching of iliac fossae (itching in hip area) (points 1, 55, 129, 120

Group (C)

Important Note: The following points are arranged according to their importance. Sometimes, the cupping therapist does not need to use all of the points and sometimes he/she has to use them all depending on the condition of the disease.

• Heart disease (points 1, 55, 19, 119, 7, 8, 46, 46, 47, 133, 134).

• Diabetes (points 1, 55, 6, 7, 8, 22, 23, 24, 25, 120, 49) note: the area of cupping should be applied with black seed oil or honey for 3 days.

• Liver and gall bladder disease (points 1, 55, 6, 48, 41, 42, 46, 51, 122, 123, 124 and 5 cups on the right, outer leg).

• Varicose veins (enlarged, unsightly superficial veins) on the legs (points 1, 55, 28, 29, 30, 31, 132 and around the veins but NOT over the veins).

• Varicocele (enlarged unsightly veins on scrotum of male) (points 1, 55, 6, 11, 12, 13, 28, 29, 30, 31, 125, 126).

• Elephantiasis (swollen leg due to blockage of lymph channels) note: the patient should rest for 2 days before cupping. He/She should also raise his/her affected leg up and then place it in warm water for two hours prior to cupping (points 1, 55, 11, 12, 13, 120, 49, 121 and around the affected leg from the top of the leg to the bottom in addition to 125, 126, 53, 54).

• Skin diseases (points 1, 55, 49, 120, 129, 6, 7, 8, 11 and cupping on the affected areas).

• Overweight (points 1, 55, 9, 10, 120, 49 and areas of desired weight loss), daily massage cupping over area of desired weight loss.

• Underweight (points 1, 55, 121).

• Cellulite daily massage cupping over affected area.

• Infertility (points 1, 55, 6, 11, 12, 13, 120, 49, 125, 126, 143, 41, 42) .

• Thyroid disease (points 1, 55, 41, 42).

Group (D)

• Headaches (points 1, 55, 2, 3) and you may replace points 2, 3 with 43, 44. If it is caused by eye strain add 104, 105 and 36. If it is caused by nasal sinuses add 102, 103 and 114. If it is caused by high blood pressure add 11, 101 and 32. If it is caused by constipation add 28, 29, 30 and 31. If it is caused by a cold add 120, 4 and 5. If it is caused by a stomach ache add 7, 8. If it is caused by the kidneys add 9, 10. If it is caused by menstruation for women add 11, 12 and 13. If it is caused by gall bladder and liver add 6, 48. If it is caused by the spine column perform cupping on the spine. If it is caused by tension add 6, 11 and 32. If it is caused by anemia add 120, 49 and take one teaspoon of black honey (molasses) with a quarter of a teaspoon of ground fenugreek and 7 ground black seeds daily. If the headache is due to tumors in the brain, cupping should be performed on the area of pain on the head).

• Migraine (severe headache associated with nausea and visual disturbance) (points 1, 55, 2, 3, 106 and area of pain).

• Diseases of the eyes (retina, eye disorder, blurred vision, atrophy of the eye nerves, glaucoma (Blue Water), cataract (White Water) and weak eye, eye inflammation and secretion of tears and eye sensitivity (points 1, 55, 36, 101, 104 , 105, 9, 10, 34, 35, above the eyebrows and on the hair line above the forehead).

• Tonsils, throat, gums, teeth, and the middle ear problems (dizziness, nausea and ringing in ears) (points 1, 55, 20, 21, 41, 42, 120, 49, 114, 43, 44).

• Weakness of hearing and inflammation of hearing nerve, tinnitus (ringing sensation in ears) (points 1, 55, 20, 21, 37, 38 and behind the ear).

• Nasal sinuses (points 1, 55, 102, 103, 108, 109, 36, 14 and on the hair line).

• Neuritis (inflammation) of the fifth and seventh nerves (points 1, 55, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114 and on the affected area).

• To stimulate the system of perception (encourage awareness) (points 1, 55, 2, 3, 32).

. Clinical Memory Loss (important: if point 39 is cupped unnecessarily it may cause damage to the memory. Also its unnecessary repetition may increase memory loss (point 39 occipital prominence).

• Mute (unable to speak) (points 1, 55, 36, 33, 107, 114( .

• To help stop smoking (points 1, 55, 106, 11, 32( .

• Convulsion (fits) (points 1, 55, 101, 36, 32, 107 on both sides, 114, 11, 12, 13).

• For the treatment of mental retardation (points 1, 55, (101 only once) 36, 32, 2, 3, 120, 49, 11, 12, 13( .

• Atrophy (loss) of brain cells (oxygen deficiency) (points 1, 55, 101, 36, 32, 34, 35, 11 and perform cupping on the joints, muscles and neck, 43 and 44 on the front and back. Eat honey and royal jelly. Perform massage cupping daily).

Group (E) Gynecological

Important warning: 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. Cupping a pregnant woman may cause miscarriage.

• Hemorrhage (vaginal bleeding) (points 1, 55, (3 dry cups under each breast daily until bleeding ceases).

• Amenorrhea (absence of periods) (points 1, 55, 129, (131 from the outside), 135, 136 (.

• Brownish Secretion 3 dry cups under each breast daily until secretion ceases (points 1, 55, 120, 49, 11, 12, 13 and 143). If secretion has no smell, no colour or itching, perform cupping on (points 1, 55, 9, 10, 41, 42, 11, 12, 13, 143).

• Menstruation (period) problems (points 1, 55 (dry cupping on 125, 126, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143).

• To stimulate the ovaries (points 1, 55, 11, (dry cupping on 125, 126).

• Pain after a uterus (womb) operation, menstrual (period) pain, the problems of ligation of the fallopian tube (tube being tied/blocked), milk existence in the breast without being pregnant and menopausal symptoms (depression, nervousness, psychological conditions, acute uterus) (points 1, 55, 6, 48, 11, 12, 13, 120, 49) (Dry Cupping on 125, 126). To regulate the menses, it is preferred to perform cupping on the second day of the mense

Cupping places on the back

1, the shoulder, the seventh vertebra (bone of spine) of the neck.

2 & 3, the area between the ears, the back of the head where hair grows or on the sides of the neck.

4 & 5, the air door between the two ribs upwards in the branching of the tracheae (main windpipe) and the bronchus (smaller windpipe).

6, the gall bladder at the peripheral of the right rib toward the spine.

7 & 8, on the stomach place at the middle of the back opposite to the stomach on the spinal sides.

9 & 10, the kidney centre under 7 & 8 on the middle of the back.

11, lumbar vertebrae – a prominent bone at the lower back of the vertebra column.

12 & 13, on the sides of 11, slightly upward, 5cm away from the spine.

14, 15, 16 & 17, the colon, almost on the colon corners from the back and 18 of the middle of the spine.

19, the heart, opposite to the heart from the back and almost on the left rib side.

20 & 21, tonsils triangle that lies in the area between the neck and the shoulder with a slight bending to the back.

22 & 23, above the pancreas gland under the rib end.

24 & 25, at the beginning of the lower half of the back.

26 & 27, bilaterally at the sides of the iliac bone.

28, 29, 30 & 31, at the upper part of the buttocks.

32, on the middle of the head.

33, on the right part of the hair near the forehead or the hair line.

34 & 35, the right and left part of the brain (at the temporal sides of the brain) as well as the occipital bone.

36, the cerebellum (occipital) prominent bone on the head.

37 & 38, nearly 3cm above the ears.

39, prominent occipital bone, the deep area at the back of the head where cupping is prohibited, except in necessary cases.

40, in the middle of the back of the neck.

41 & 42, on the back of the head to the right and the left.

43 & 44, the sides of the neck.

45 & 46, nearly 3cm above the air trachea (4-5).

47, on the left shoulder in addition to the heart.

48, on the right rib from upward, complementary to the gall bladder knot.

49, the immunity area from the back, between the two scapulae (shoulder blades).

50, 6cm slightly above 8, for stomach ulcers.

51 & 52, the two thigh bones (femur), from both sides.

53 & 54, the inner part of the knee from the back.

55, almost 3cm under the shoulder.

Cupping places on the face and abdomen

101, the forehead on the place of worship in praying and it is better not to repeat it.

102 & 103, above the eyebrows from the inner part of the nasal sinuses.

104 & 105, on both sides of the brows and slightly upward for headaches and sight.

106, almost 6cm above the left ear to help give up smoking.

107, nearly 4cm above the cheeks to assist in speech.

108 & 109, on the sides of the nose for nasal sinuses.

110, under the ear from the right and left.

111, 112 & 113, near the eye and the cheek and near the lip to treat the fifth and sixth nerve.

114, under the chin and it has many benefits.

115 & 116, under the ends of the clavicle (collar bone) from the outside and on the shoulders.

117 & 118, under the clavicle (collar bone) from the inside, on the chest.

119, the heart, under the middle of the left clavicle (collar bone) using four fingers of the patient himself.

120, sternum bone (breastplate), in the middle of the chest.

121, first part of the stomach directly under the chest bone.

122, 123 & 124, above the liver, right of the belly.

125 & 126, between the belly and the thigh near the pubic hair area for involuntary urination, infertility…etc.

127 & 128, on the inner part of the thighs.

129, on the back of the feet to the right.

130, on the sides of the heel from inside and outside for edema.

131, above the heel bone nearly 5cm from the outside.

132, varicocele.

133, almost 2cm above the stomach mouth and near the end of the chest bone.

134, under the left breast.

135 & 136, 5cm away from the breast nipple from the inside for the lungs.

137, 138, 139 & 140, above, right, left and under the umbilicus (belly button).

141, & 142, Right and left of 140.

143, above the bladder.

- “Ajwa Dates are from paradise and they are a cure from poison” (Tirmizi)

- “Whoever eats 7 Ajwa dates would not be harmed that day by poison or magic (Muslim)

-The Prophet prescribed Alia  Ajwa dates for people suffering from various illnesses

-Qadi Ayyad said, “Alia is a placed located south of the Prophet’s mosque

-Imam Nawwawi has written that the Prophet has described Medinah Ajwa dates as unique and advantages of eating 7 dates every morning must be taken in faith (Muslim)

Q: How long does the session take?
A: It can take up to anywhere between 45mins to 1 hours, depending on how many cups you need.

Q: What are the best days for hijama?
A: The best days are Mondays, Tuesdays, & Thursdays, and if these coincide with the 17th, 19th and 21st of the islamic month then the Prophet sallahu alayhi wasalam has said ‘It is a cure for every disease’ (please refer to hadeeth section)

Q: How many sunnah points are there and where are they?
A: There are 5 sunnah points, two on the upper back, two on the sides of the neck, and one on the top of the head.

Q: How many times will I need the treatment?

A: It all depends on what you are suffering from and how long you have had that condition, every individual is different.  It is recommended if you have a ongoing illness, then you should have hijama/cupping performed once every month until the illness is cured inshaAllah then, after that once every three months as a prevention. If you are fit and healthy and just want it for sunnah reasons then, once every three months is recommended inshaAllah.

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 Preventative Medicine

Anas ibn Maalik y reported that the Messenger r said, “Whoever  wants to perform cupping (hijama) then let him search for the 17^th, 19^th and 21^st 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)].

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 17^th, 19^th or 21^st 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 17^th, 19^th and 21^st 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 17^th, 19^th and 21^st…” [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 17^th, 19^th or 21^st 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 17^th, 19^th or 21^st (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 17^th, 19^th or 21^st 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)].

]]> http://www.fiqh.org/2011/07/hadith-narrations-on-cuppinghijamah/feed/ 0 http://www.fiqh.org/2011/07/benefits-of-hijama/ http://www.fiqh.org/2011/07/benefits-of-hijama/#comments Mon, 18 Jul 2011 22:40:46 +0000 obaloch http://www.fiqh.org/?p=307

There are certain stagnation areas in the body where the blood collects in and it has been proved through medicial studies that removal of this blood is very beneficial to the whole body system.

The above is Summarised from’Cupping – The Great Missing Thearapy’ by Dr. Sahbaa Bondok & ‘Cupping (Hijama)’ by Ahmed Hefny.

This shows the importance and greatness of this Sunnah.

Cupping in Arabic is known has Hijama and it is an ancient method of treatment that has been used to treat and cure a number of a broad range of conditions throughout the Eastern and Western cultures of the world.  It is also known as cupping or bloodletting therapy.  Conditions such as blood related disorders; haemophilia and hypertension,  for example, rheumatic conditions ranging from arthritis, sciatica, back pain and migraines through to psycho-social applications in the treatment of anxiety and general physical and mental well-being. The primary aim of Hijama/Cupping is to extract blood that is believed to be harmful from the body which in turn rids the body of potential harm from symptoms leading to a reduction in well-being.

A Cure & A Prevention

The Prophet sallahu alayhi wasalam has told us in many hadeeths that this treatment is a cure and a prevention ‘for Every Disease’ (please refer to hadeeths section for quotes),  it keeps your health and well being preserved and cures anything that is causing you affliction.

Improves Blood Circulation & Replenishes the Organs

It eliminates the bad blood and detoxifies your body by helping your body to produce new blood which replenishes your organs & improves the blood circulation,  as studies have shown that 70% of diseases come from within the blood.

Beauty Therapy

Hijama is also beneficial in beauty therapy as it promotes the production of hormones, encourages blood flow and body fluid movement in the bowels and internal organs. In this way toxins are removed and this is important because toxins speed up the aging process and cause other negative conditions.

Authentic hijama/cupping therapy balances all aspects of the body. The aging process speeds up when individual cells dry out, or too much sun. Kidney weakness also speeds up the aging process and leads to dry and damaged hair, early graying or hair loss. Imbalance in ladies also manifests in the early signs of menopause with hot flushes, night sweats and dry skin. Simply applying external lotion to the skin or hair does not access the root cause.

The following are some diseases and ailments which hijama/cupping can treat and cure insha’Allah.

Group 1

Pain/Immune system

• Rheumatism (painful Joints)
• Headaches/Migraines
• Roughness of knee
• Oedema (swollen tissue due to a build of fluid)
• Sciatic Pain (nerve pain)
• Back Pain
• Neck/Shoulder Pain
• Gout (swollen joints due to excess uric acid)
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Paralysis of one half of the body (Hemiplegia)
• Paralysis of all four limbs (Quadriplegia)
• Immune System Deficiency
• Muscle Spasm
• Poor Blood Circulation
• Tingling Arms
• Tingling Feet
• Abdominal Pain

Group 2

Chronic Diseases

• Hemorrhoids
• Anal Fistula
• Prostate & Erectile Dysfunction
• Chronic Coughs & Lung Diseases
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Stomach Problems & Ulcers
• Renal (Kidney) Disease
• Irritable Bowl Syndrome
• Chronic Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Psychological & Nervousness Conditions
• Angiospasm & Arteriosclerosis
• Gastritis (Inflammation in the lining of the stomach
• Excessive Sleep
• Food Allergies
• Sores & Abscesses

Group 3

Heart/Skin/Diabetes/Infertility/Thyroid

• Heart Diseases
• Diabetes
• Liver & Gall Bladder Disease
• Varicose Veins
• Varicocele
• Elephantiasis
• Overweight
• Underweight
• Cellulite
• Infertility
• Thyroid Disease

Group 4

Ear/Nose/Throat/Awareness/Memory

• Retina
• Blurred Vision
• Glaucoma
• Cataract
• Tonsils
• Weakness of Hearing
• Tinnitus
• Nasal Sinuses
• Neuritis
• General Awareness
• General Memory Loss
• Clinical Memory Loss
• Mute
• Convulsion (fits)
• Treatment of Mental Retardation
• Atrophy (loss of brain cells)

Group 5

Gynecological

• Hemorrhage (Vaginal Bleeding)
• Amenorrhea (absence of Periods)
• Brownish Secretion
• Menstruation Problems
• Stimulate the Ovaries
• Pain after womb operation etc
• Infertility

I would like to know when al hijama (cupping) began to be practiced according to the sunnah, and the manner in which it should be performed. Are there recommended times for one to have it done, or times that one should avoid cupping? We are hoping to begin this prectice for sisters, and wish to make sure that we would be perfoming it strictly according the the sunnah of Rasool Allaah, sallalahu alaihi wa salaam.
Jazakum Allaahu kullu khairan,

Praise be to Allaah.

Hijaamah comes from the root al-hajm, which means “sucking”, and is used of the action of draining the breast when an infant is suckled. Al-hajjaam is the name given to the cupper, and hijaamah is the name given to this profession. Al-mihjam is the name given to the tool in which blood is collected, or to the knife used by the cupper.

Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with them both) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Healing is to be found in three things: drinking honey, the knife of the cupper, and cauterization of fire.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 10/136).

According to a hadeeth narrated by Jaabir (may Allaah be pleased with him), the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah 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.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 10/139)

According to a hadeeth narrated by Anas ibn Maalik, may Allaah be pleased with him, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah 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.’” (Reported by Ibn Maajah; it has corroborating evidence which strengthens it).

Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with them both) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was treated with cupping, and he paid the cupper his fee.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 10/124; Muslim 1202).

Anas ibn Maalik (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allaah 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.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 10/126; Muslim, 1577)

With regard to the times when cupping is recommended:

It was reported from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with them both) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The best times to be treated with cupping are the seventeenth, nineteenth or twenty-first [of the month].” (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, 2054; the isnaad is da’eef).

It was reported from Anas ibn Maalik (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever wants to be treated by cupping, let him do it on the seventeenth, nineteenth or twenty-first, lest the blood flow too copiously and kill him.” (Reported by Ibn Maajah, 3489; there is some weakness in the report).

Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever is treated with cupping on the seventeenth, nineteenth or twenty first, will be healed from all diseases.” (Reported by Abu Dawood, 3861, and al-Bayhaqi, 9/340. The isnad is hasan).

Although the ahaadeeth quoted above are from different sources and may be weak to some extent, they give strength to one another.

Imaam Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

“These ahaadeeth coincide with what the doctors agree on, that cupping should be done in the second half of the month, and that the third quarter of the month is better than the beginning or the end. But if cupping is done out of necessity it is beneficial at any time, even at the beginning or end of the month. Al-Khallaal said: ‘Ismah ibn ‘Isaam told me: Hanbal told me: Abu ‘Abd-Allaah Ahmad ibn Hanbal would be treated with cupping whenever his blood increased, no matter what time it was… They disliked having cupping done on a full stomach, because that could lead to obstruction and grievous diseases, especially if the food was heavy and bad… Choosing the times mentioned above for cupping is an extra precaution, to be on the safe side and to protect one’s health, but when it comes to treating disease, whenever it is necessary it should be used.

Al-Haafiz ibn Hajar (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “According to the doctors, the most efficacious cupping is that which is done at the second or third hour, after having intercourse or taking a bath, etc., and neither on a full nor empty stomach. With regard to specific days for administering cupping, it was reported in a hadeeth narrated from Ibn ‘Umar by Ibn Maajah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘Administer cupping, may Allaah bless you, on Thursdays, and administer cupping on Mondays and Tuesdays, but avoid cupping on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.’ It was reported with two da’eef isnads, and there is a third version, also da’eef, reported by al-Daaraqutni in al-Afraad. He also reported it with a jayyid isnaad from Ibn ‘Umar but it is mawqoof (the isnad stops at the Sahaabi). Al-Khallaal reported that Ahmad disliked cupping on the days mentioned, even though the hadeeth was not proven. It was said that a man was treated with cupping on a Wednesday and he developed leprosy because he ignored the hadeeth. Abu Dawood reported from Abu Bakrah that he disliked cupping on Tuesdays, and said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘Tuesday is the day of blood, and on that day there is an hour when blood does not stop.’ The doctors are agreed that cupping in the second half of the month, especially in the third quarter, is more beneficial than cupping at the beginning or end of the month. Al-Muwaffaq al-Baghdaadi said: The body fluids (humours) flow heavily at the beginning of the month and calm down at the end, so the best time to let the blood flow is in the middle of the month.”

It is clear from the above that the ahaadeeth which specify a particular time, when taken as a whole, indicate that there is a basis for this, especially since the words of the doctors are in agreement with it. If the seventeenth or nineteenth or twenty-first of a hijri month happens to be a Thursday, this is the best possible time for cupping, but this is not to say that it is not good to do it at other times. As a form of medical treatment, cupping should not be restricted to any particular time; it should be done as needed by the patient.

It is essential to make sure that you do it properly; cupping should be done by one who is experienced and he or she should use instruments that are properly cleaned and sterilized. The cupper must also ensure that no blood reaches the stomach of the patient.

We ask Allaah to help us and you to follow the Sunnah. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad.

See: Fath al-Baari by Ibn Hajar, 10/149; Sharh al-Zarqaani ‘ala al-Muwatta’, 2/187; al-Mughni by Ibn Qudaamah, 1/184; al-Ma’aad by Ibn al-Qayyim, 4/60.

Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

Source: http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/3268