Hijama is a traditional therapeutic practice, a form of cupping therapy with deep historical roots across various ancient cultures. Within Islam, the practice takes on a significant religious dimension, becoming an act of adherence to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. This method involves creating suction on the skin, which practitioners believe helps restore balance and promote general wellness. For Muslim practitioners, Hijama is not merely a physical remedy but a spiritual observance known as Sunnah.
Defining Hijama and its Methods
Hijama, which translates from Arabic as “suction” or “drawing out,” is the name given to the specific technique of wet cupping. This method involves a three-stage physical procedure designed to draw a small quantity of blood from just beneath the skin’s surface. The process begins with placing cups, typically made of glass or plastic, onto specific body points, often the back or shoulders. Suction is created inside the cup, pulling the skin and underlying tissue upward for a few minutes.
Once the initial cup application is complete, the practitioner removes the cup and makes superficial scratches or light incisions on the raised skin using a sterile surgical blade or lancet. The cups are then immediately reapplied to the exact same spots, and a second, stronger suction is created. This negative pressure draws out a small amount of blood, which is collected in the cup.
This process differentiates Hijama (wet cupping) from dry cupping, which involves only the suction stage without any skin incision or bloodletting. Supporters of wet cupping propose that this excretory method helps the body clear itself of metabolic debris, stagnant blood, and other substances.
The Religious Foundation
In Islam, Hijama is rooted in the tradition known as Sunnah, representing the practices, teachings, and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad. This makes it a component of Tibb an-Nabawi, or Prophetic Medicine, signifying a recommended path to healing and wellness. Numerous narrations, or Hadith, document the Prophet’s personal endorsement and practice of cupping.
One widely cited narration states that the Prophet Muhammad described cupping as the “best of remedies” available for treatment. Another Hadith further emphasizes its importance by declaring that “in Hijama there is a cure” for various ailments. These scriptural endorsements elevate the practice beyond a mere cultural custom to a spiritually encouraged act.
The Hadith literature also records that the Prophet himself underwent cupping on various occasions, including on his head for a headache and between his shoulder blades. By participating in Hijama, the individual is seen to be reviving a tradition that aligns the pursuit of physical health with spiritual guidance.
The spiritual connection is further deepened by the belief that the angels themselves recommended cupping to the Prophet during his journey to the heavens. This evidence establishes Hijama as a means of seeking both physical healing and spiritual reward.
Recommended Timing and Preparation
The practice of Hijama within the Islamic tradition is often guided by specific recommendations regarding the timing of the procedure, linking it to the lunar calendar. The most emphasized days for performing cupping are the 17th, 19th, and 21st days of the Islamic lunar month, known as the Hijri calendar. These odd-numbered days are mentioned in Prophetic narrations as being particularly beneficial for the treatment.
The preferred days of the week for scheduling the procedure are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, with some traditions advising against cupping on certain other days. The belief is that performing Hijama on these specific dates and days enhances its potential therapeutic effects. However, for an individual who is ill, the practice is not strictly limited to these times and can be performed whenever medically necessary.
A traditional aspect of preparation involves performing the procedure on an empty stomach, a condition known as ala ar-reeq. This preparation is believed to maximize the benefits, with some narrations suggesting it can improve intellect and memory. Prior to the physical procedure, practitioners are also expected to make a conscious intention (Niyyah) for healing and to ensure a state of ritual purity (Tahara).
Modern Practice and Safety
The contemporary application of Hijama demands strict adherence to modern standards of safety and hygiene, especially given its invasive nature. The procedure involves skin incisions and the drawing of blood, which introduces a risk of infection from bloodborne pathogens like Hepatitis and HIV if protocols are not followed. It is paramount that practitioners use only sterile, single-use equipment, particularly the blades and lancets used for the minor skin scarification.
The cups themselves must be properly disinfected or, ideally, be single-use items to prevent cross-contamination between patients. After the procedure, the incision sites require antiseptic cleaning and appropriate dressing to facilitate healing and mitigate the risk of localized infection. Proper disposal of all biohazardous materials, including the collected blood and used sharp instruments, is a non-negotiable step in a safe environment.
Due to the inherent risks, many regions have implemented licensing and regulatory frameworks for Hijama. It is important for individuals to seek out practitioners who are certified or licensed to perform wet cupping, often those with formal medical training or recognized qualifications in traditional medicine. This professional oversight helps ensure that the practice is administered correctly and that the practitioner is aware of contraindications, such as for individuals on blood thinners or those with certain health conditions.