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)].