What is Cupping or Hijama?

Many Olympians at Rio, Brazil have taken to cupping (Hijama in Arabic), an ancient therapy that has mostly been used in Middle Eastern countries as well as in China.

It consists of having round glass suction cups that are warmed, then placed on the sore parts of the body. The placement of the glass cup creates a partial vacuum, which is believed to stimulate muscles and blood flow while relieving pain.

It is believed that Prophet Muhammad practiced cupping and encouraged his followers for that. Here are a few statements attributed to the Prophet (ahadith) on the subject of cupping.

Anas ibn Malik reported that the messenger said, "Indeed the best of remedies you have is cupping." [Sahih al-Bukhari(5371)].

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

Anas ibn Malik reported that the Messenger said, "Whoever wants to perform cupping 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." [Sahih Sunan ibn Majah (3486)].

Abdullah ibn Abbas reported that the Messenger 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)." [Sahih al-Bukhari(5681), Sahih Sunan ibn Majah (3491)]. 

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

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

Abu Hurairah t reported that the Messenger said, "Whoever performs cupping on the 17^th, 19^th or 21^st day (of the Islamic, lunar month) then it is a cure for every disease." [Sahih Sunan abi Dawud (3861)].

Anas ibn Malik reported that the Messenger said, "Whoever wants to perform cupping then let him search for the 17^th, 19^th and 21^st…" [Sahih Sunan ibn Majah (3486)].

Ibn Umar reported that the Messenger said, "Cupping on an empty stomach is best. In it is a cure and a blessing. It improves the intellect and memory. So cup yourselves with the blessing of Allah on Thursday. Keep away from cupping on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to be safe. Perform cupping on Monday and Tuesday since 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." [Sahih Sunan ibn Majah (3487)].

Ibn Umar reported that the Messenger said, "Cupping on an empty stomach* is best. It increases the intellect and improves memory. It improves the memory of the one memorizing. So whoever is going to have cupping then (let it be) on a Thursday. 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 Prophet Ayoub was befallen with a trial. You will not find leprosy except (by being cupped) on Wednesday or Wednesday night." [Sahih Sunan ibn Majah (3488)].

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

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

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

Abdullah ibn Abbas reported that the Messenger was cupped on his head for a unilateral headache while he was in Ihraam (clothes worn during the performance of Hajj and Umrah). [Sahih al-Bukhari(5701)]. 

Abdullah ibn Abbas reported that the Messenger was cupped while he was fasting. [Sahih al-Bukhari(5694)].

Anas ibn Maalik was asked: "Did you dislike cupping for the fasting person?" He said, "No except for the reason of one becoming weak." [Sahih al-Bukhari(1940)].

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

Abdullah ibn Abbas reported that the Messenger was cupped on his head. [Sahih al-Bukhari(5699)]. 

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

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

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

They would always oppose you

No matter what Muslim Americans say and do, there would always a substantial section of citizens who would doubt their patriotism and commitment to the constitution. This group would always ask them to denounce terrorism, renounce violence and distance themselves from sharia, the foundation of the Islamic faith. Even when they follow other dictates, there is no guarantee that they could be accepted as equal. The lingering episode of Khizr and Ghazala Khan provide clear evidence that certain groups and individuals would always consider Muslims fifth columnists. 

Who are these groups and individuals and why are they so much focused on Islam and Muslims. 

It is imperative to understand them, otherwise, the Muslim response could create more confusion in the already confusing situation. Based on the responses of groups and individuals on the latest cycle of hatred spat on Muslims after the Democratic National Convention where a Muslim couple publicly eulogized their son who offered ultimate sacrifice to defend the USA, one can identify six major groups who are the flag bearers of anti-Muslim sentiments. These groups are: Right-wing Christian evangelists, supporters of Israel who do not want to be challenged in their narratives of the Middle East situation, the extremists Hindus who are primarily influenced by the socio-political conditions in India, the extreme liberal atheists who see religion as a manifestation of dark ages, politicians who believe in the divide and conquer rule and Muslim extremists who believe in the supremacy of their ideas.  Each of these groups has its own socio-political agenda. Even though they may be diametrically opposed to each other, but they can either cooperate with each other or remain silent on issues involving Muslims. Of course, a vast majority of Americans do not identify with any of these groups, but their opinions are often influenced by the rhetoric these groups play and the tactics they employ to smear a community. Election cycle every two years offer such groups an opportunity to flex their muscles.

1. Right-wing Christian Evangelists

Their opposition to Islam and Muslims is based on a faith basis. Muslims are pagans in their views and always at war with the Christian West. Muslims are not worthy to be given a dignified presence in the country because they do not accept Jesus as their savior. They regard Islam, anti-Christian faith based on false ideas. In their views, Islam originated in violence and wants to dominate the world through violence. This group relies on a literature that is the product of the 1400 year old conflict between the two faiths.

2. Supporters of the Jewish State who do not want to be challenged in their narratives on the situation in the Middle East

These groups believe that the US support for Israel is essential for the existence of the Jewish state.  They see the presence of Muslims as a threat to the Israeli interests in the US for the simple reason that Muslims hold Israel is accountable for the mess prevailing in the region. They fear that the emergence of a strong Muslim voting bloc might influence the outcome of elections and the policies that have remained pro Israel so far.

3. Extremist Hindu groups that represent the ideology of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, the Rashtriya Swayam Sewak Sangh, the Bharatiya Janata Party and many other similar outfits. In their view, Muslim Indians, as well as Islam, are responsible for the disintegration of a greater India. Islam in their view is a violent protest ideology against the domination of a religious class that believes in social stratification based on birth. They view Islam as a violent faith, keen to rule over the world through coercion and suppression of all other religions.

4. Liberal Atheist Groups that view religion as a force representing dark ages.

Even though on issues pertaining to human rights and justice, these groups do not discriminate against people on the basis of their faith or culture or race, yet they view that Islam is no different than Christianity or any other faith as they all represent dark ages. In their view, the concept of God is an outdated concept that offers nothing but hatred, extremism, and obscurantism. They point out to the position of religious establishments of all faiths on issues such as equality of women, homosexuality, the oneness of humanity, and punishment and rewards based on the teachings of a God whose existence cannot be proved.

5. Politicians who believe in the divide and conquer rule.

Politicians are known for saying anything and everything that can win them elections. If they realize that Muslims offer a strong electoral bloc, they would stand for Islam and Muslims and if they believe that speaking against Islam would get them elected, they would go to any length to denounce Islam and Muslims.

6. The Muslim extremists who believe in the supremacy of their ideas

Muslim extremists based their analysis of the current world on historical grounds and not on a faith basis. In their view, the West offers corrupt, inhumane, and violent ideas with clear evidence of committing terror against innocent people all over the world. They view the West as a conspirator against Islam and Muslims and they believe that Islam is at war with the West. They view their fellow Muslims who do not share their vision as western lackeys who lack an understanding of genuine Islam and who are willing to go to any length to secure their presence in the East.

Obviously, the leadership in each of these six categories is very strong on its opinions about Islam and Muslims and no amount of debate or dialogue would make them change their perspectives.So Muslims have to be prepared to deal with them with or without incidents of terrorism or violence attributed to those who claim to be Muslims.

So what should Muslim Americans do?

While they develop strong ties with groups that want to live the spirit of the US constitution, they should also open channels of communication with people at the grassroots levels. They should have trained people who can relate with the masses, to identify with their situation and to speak to them an idiom that is commonly understood. Through their involvement at every level of social life, they need to explain who they are and what their faith stands for and how can their presence in the country is a source of the strength of the nation.

The idea that Islam and Muslims are in perpetual conflict with the rest of humanity is not substantiated by either the Quran or the teachings of the Prophet. The Islam sharia primarily derived from the Quran does invite Muslims to cooperate with the other for the purpose of enhancing the quality of life based on the principles of justice, equality, freedom, and human dignity as well as the unity of humanity. When Muslims are engaged with any of these six groups or individuals reflecting the ideas of such groups, they often lose focus on their founding principles and get broiled in an unending debate as who is right and who is wrong. Perhaps Muslims ought to review their own strategy in standing for themselves and their faith. in the situation they face in the US today. Perhaps, they may find that the old style of working and standing for their faiths is not working. Perhaps they may realize that a new vision and a new way of looking at issues need to be adopted to ensure that they do not become victims of the politics of hate and vengeance.