What is Hijama? A Complete Guide to the Prophetic Healing Method

Have you ever wondered why millions of Muslims worldwide practice hijama (wet cupping therapy) as part of their wellness routine? This ancient healing method, strongly recommended by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), has been transforming lives for over 1,400 years.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover everything about hijama in Islam, from its profound spiritual significance to its remarkable health benefits backed by modern science. Whether you’re considering hijama for the first time or want to deepen your understanding of this Sunnah practice, this article will answer all your questions.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

The Islamic basis for hijama from Quran and Hadith
How hijama works and what to expect during a session
The best days for hijama according to Islamic tradition
Health benefits supported by scientific research
Who can and cannot undergo hijama
How to find authentic hijama services

What is Hijama in Islam?

Hijama, also known as wet cupping therapy or “Al-Hijamah” in Arabic, is a prophetic medical practice that involves creating suction on specific points of the body and making small superficial incisions to remove stagnant blood and toxins.

The word “hijama” comes from the Arabic root “hajm” which means “sucking” or “to return to normal size.” This perfectly describes the therapeutic process of removing harmful blood to restore the body to its natural, healthy state, which is part of Prophetic healing methods that address both body and spirit.

Hijama vs Regular Cupping

While many people are familiar with dry cupping (where cups are placed on the skin to create suction without incisions), hijama goes a step further. The complete hijama process includes:

Suction: Cups create vacuum pressure on the skin
Incision: Tiny, shallow cuts are made on the skin surface
Extraction: Cups are reapplied to draw out stagnant blood
Healing: The treated area is cleaned and bandaged

This extraction of stagnant blood is what makes hijama particularly powerful and distinguishes it from dry cupping.

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The Islamic Evidence for Hijama

Hijama in the Hadith

Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) didn’t just permit hijama, he actively practiced and recommended it. The evidence from authentic hadith is overwhelming:

1. The Prophet’s Personal Practice

Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was treated with cupping three times. He was cupped on the top of his head and between his shoulders, and he used to pay the person who cupped him.” (Sunan Abu Dawud, Sahih)

This hadith shows us that:

The Prophet himself underwent hijama
He received it on multiple occasions
He paid for the service (indicating its legitimate profession)
He was cupped on the head and upper back (common points)

2. Hijama as a Cure

Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) 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.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

This powerful hadith lists hijama as one of only three healing methods specifically mentioned by the Prophet, giving it tremendous importance in Islamic medicine.

3. The Best Form of Treatment

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “If there is any good in your medical treatments, it is in the knife of the cupper, a drink of honey, or cauterization with fire as appropriate to the ailment, but I do not like cautery.” (Sahih Muslim)

4. Recommendation for Specific Conditions

Jabir ibn Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) sent a physician to Ubayy ibn Ka’b. He opened a vein and cauterized it.” (Sahih Muslim)

The Prophet sent a cupper to treat his companion, showing that hijama was the go-to treatment for various conditions.

client's back showing circular red marks after hijama therapy session

The Blessed Night of Isra and Mi’raj

Perhaps the most remarkable testament to hijama’s importance comes from the night journey:

Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “On the night I was taken on the Night Journey (Isra), every group of angels that I passed by said to me: ‘O Muhammad, tell your Ummah to do cupping (hijama).'” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hasan)

Imagine – on one of the most significant nights in Islamic history, angels repeatedly emphasized this healing practice!

Scholarly Consensus

The great Islamic scholars throughout history have affirmed the virtue of hijama:

Imam Ibn al-Qayyim dedicated an entire section to hijama in his famous work “Medicine of the Prophet”
Imam al-Dhahabi praised hijama’s benefits in his medical writings
Contemporary scholars from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, and worldwide continue to recommend hijama

The Best Days for Hijama in Islam

One unique aspect of hijama in Islamic tradition is the emphasis on timing. The Prophet (ﷺ) specified certain days of the Islamic lunar month as most beneficial for hijama.

The Recommended Days: 17th, 19th, and 21st

Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The best days on which you should get yourself cupped are the 17th, 19th, and 21st of the (Islamic) month.” (Sunan Abu Dawud, Hasan)

These dates refer to the Islamic lunar calendar, not the Gregorian calendar. Many practitioners and patients report enhanced benefits when hijama is performed on these specific days.

Why These Particular Days?

While the hadith doesn’t explicitly explain why, scholars and practitioners have noted:

Lunar Influence: These days typically coincide with the fuller moon period, when blood flow may be at its peak
Prophetic Wisdom: Following the Sunnah carries spiritual blessings (barakah)
Practical Benefits: Many patients report better outcomes on these days
Body Rhythms: Traditional medicine recognizes that body processes vary with lunar cycles

Can Hijama Be Done on Other Days?

Yes, hijama can be performed on other days when necessary, especially for:

Acute pain or emergencies
Medical conditions requiring immediate attention
When the recommended days aren’t practically available

However, for general health and wellness, following the Sunnah dates is highly recommended.

Get a free hijama appointment today. WhatsApp us!

Days to Avoid

Some hadith suggest avoiding hijama on certain days:

“Hijama should not be done on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Perform hijama on Monday and Thursday.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)

Note: Scholars differ on the strength of this narration. Many contemporary practitioners focus primarily on the 17th, 19th, and 21st regardless of the weekday.

How Hijama Works: The Science Behind the Sunnah

Modern medical science has begun to understand why hijama is so effective. The practice works through multiple mechanisms:

1. Removal of Stagnant Blood

Over time, blood can become sluggish in certain areas due to:

Poor circulation
Inflammation
Toxin accumulation
Metabolic waste buildup

Hijama physically removes this stagnant blood, allowing fresh, oxygen-rich blood to circulate.

2. Stimulation of Blood Flow

The suction created during hijama:

Dilates blood vessels
Increases blood flow to the treated area
Improves oxygen and nutrient delivery
Enhances cellular repair processes

3. Immune System Activation

Research shows that hijama can:

Stimulate immune cell production
Increase white blood cell activity
Enhance the body’s natural healing response
Boost overall immune function

4. Pain Relief Through Endorphin Release

The hijama process triggers:

Release of endorphins (natural painkillers)
Reduction in inflammatory markers
Decreased pain signal transmission
Relaxation of tense muscles

5. Detoxification

Hijama helps remove:

Heavy metals
Metabolic waste products
Inflammatory markers
Environmental toxins

Studies have shown that blood extracted through hijama contains higher concentrations of toxins than regular blood samples, confirming its detoxifying effect.

Health Benefits of Hijama

The benefits of hijama extend to virtually every system in the body. Here are the conditions where hijama has shown remarkable results:

1. Pain Management

Chronic back pain: Multiple studies show 50-70% pain reduction
Neck and shoulder pain: Effective for office workers and manual laborers
Joint pain and arthritis: Reduces inflammation and improves mobility
Migraine and headaches: Often provides long-term relief
Sports injuries: Accelerates healing and recovery

2. Cardiovascular Health

High blood pressure: Can help regulate BP naturally
Improved circulation: Enhances blood flow throughout body
Cholesterol management: Some studies show improvement in lipid profiles
Varicose veins: Reduces symptoms and improves appearance

3. Respiratory Conditions

Asthma: May reduce frequency and severity of attacks
Chronic cough: Helps clear respiratory pathways
Bronchitis: Supports immune response
Allergies: Can reduce allergic reactions

4. Digestive System

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Reduces symptoms
Constipation: Improves digestive motility
Bloating and gas: Provides relief
Acid reflux: Some patients report improvement

5. Skin Conditions

Acne: Reduces inflammation and improves skin health
Eczema and psoriasis: Can reduce flare-ups
Scarring: Promotes healing
Facial rejuvenation: Improves skin tone and texture

6. Women’s Health

Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea): Significant pain reduction
Irregular periods: May help regulate cycles
Fertility issues: Traditional use for reproductive health
PCOS symptoms: Anecdotal benefits reported

7. Mental and Emotional Health

Anxiety and stress: Promotes relaxation
Depression: Complementary to conventional treatment
Sleep disorders: Improves sleep quality
Mental clarity: Enhances focus and concentration

8. Metabolic and Hormonal

Diabetes management: May improve insulin sensitivity
Thyroid disorders: Traditional use for hormonal balance
Weight management: Supports metabolism
Fatigue and low energy: Revitalizes the body

What to Expect During a Hijama Session?

Understanding the process helps reduce anxiety and ensures you get the most benefit.

Before Your Session

Preparation:

Avoid heavy meals 2-3 hours before
Stay well-hydrated
Wear loose, comfortable clothing
Inform your practitioner of any health conditions
Come on the recommended Islamic dates if possible

Health Screening: Qualified practitioners will:

Review your medical history
Check blood pressure
Assess your current health status
Explain the procedure
Answer any questions

During the Session

Step 1: Positioning (5 minutes) You’ll be positioned comfortably, usually lying down, with the treatment area exposed.

Step 2: Skin Preparation (2-3 minutes) The area is cleaned and sterilized to prevent infection.

Step 3: Initial Cupping (5-7 minutes) Cups are applied to create suction, drawing blood to the surface. This doesn’t hurt – it feels like a strong pulling sensation.

Step 4: Incisions (1-2 minutes) Tiny, shallow scratches are made on the skin surface. These are superficial and not painful due to the prior suction.

Step 5: Blood Extraction (10-15 minutes) Cups are reapplied to draw out stagnant blood. You may see dark, thick blood being removed.

Step 6: Cleaning and Bandaging (5 minutes) The area is thoroughly cleaned, sterilized, and bandaged.

Total Time: 30-45 minutes for a standard session

After Your Session

Immediate Aftercare:

Rest for 15-30 minutes
Drink plenty of water
Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours
Keep the area clean and dry

First 24-48 Hours:

Slight soreness is normal (like a mild bruise)
Avoid bathing the area (shower is fine after 24 hours)
No swimming or hot baths
Avoid direct sunlight on treated area

What’s Normal:

Small circular marks that fade in 1-2 weeks
Temporary fatigue (body is detoxing)
Increased urination (eliminating toxins)
Feeling of lightness and relief

Who Can Have Hijama?

Hijama is generally safe for most healthy adults, but there are important considerations.

Hijama is Recommended For:

Healthy adults seeking wellness and prevention
People with chronic pain conditions
Those suffering from the ailments mentioned earlier
Anyone following the Sunnah for its spiritual benefits
Athletes looking for enhanced recovery
People with lifestyle-related conditions

Who Should Avoid Hijama:

Pregnant women (risk of stimulating labor)
People with blood disorders (hemophilia, severe anemia)
Those on blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin – consult doctor)
Cancer patients (without oncologist approval)
People with organ failure (liver, kidney, heart)
Those with infectious skin diseases in treatment area
Children under 3 years old
Extremely weak or elderly (without medical approval)
People who just donated blood (wait 4 weeks)

Special Considerations:

Diabetics: Can have hijama but need special precautions Women during menstruation: Better to wait until after period People with tattoos: Hijama can still be done, may need different locations Those with keloid scarring tendency: Discuss with practitioner

Always consult with a qualified hijama practitioner and your healthcare provider before beginning treatment.

Finding Authentic Hijama Services

Not all hijama providers are created equal. Here’s what to look for:

Essential Qualifications

Proper Training: Look for certified, trained practitioners
Islamic Knowledge: Understanding of Sunnah and proper practice
Medical Background: Healthcare training is a plus
Hygiene Standards: Sterile, clean environment
Experience: Years in practice, client testimonials
Ethical Practice: No exaggerated claims or guarantees

Red Flags to Avoid

Mixing hijama with non-Islamic practices (taweez, magic)
Promising guaranteed cures for serious diseases
Poor hygiene or reusing equipment
Lack of proper consultation
Extremely cheap prices (compromised quality)
No proper documentation or credentials

Questions to Ask

“Are you trained and certified in hijama?”
“Do you follow the Sunnah guidelines?”
“What hygiene protocols do you follow?”
“Do you provide health screening before treatment?”
“What are the costs and what’s included?”
“Do you have patient testimonials or reviews?”

Hijama at Rewired Hijama & Ruqyah Centre

At Rewired Hijama & Ruqyah Centre, we bring together the best of prophetic medicine and professional healthcare:

Our Commitment:

100% adherence to Quran and Sunnah
Professionally trained, certified practitioners
Hospital-grade hygiene standards
Comprehensive health assessments
Female practitioners available for women

To begin your wellness journey with our certified and Sunnah-compliant practitioners, book your authentic Hijama session today.