Hijama in Islam: the Sunnah of cupping
Short answer: yes, hijama is Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ was cupped himself, called cupping among the best of remedies (Sahih al-Bukhari 5696), paid the man who cupped him, and was cupped while fasting and in Ihram. This page brings together the authentic hadith, with references and gradings, and explains how we practise Sunnah hijama today.
- Authentic hadith with references and gradings
- Sunnah points, dates and days
- Sunnah practice with modern hygiene
Hijama: a word, a practice, a Sunnah
Hijama (حجامة) comes from the Arabic root ḥ-j-m, meaning to draw or suck. It is wet cupping: cups create gentle suction on the skin, tiny superficial scratches are made, and the cups draw out a small amount of blood. It was practised across the ancient world, and Islam honoured it through the words and practice of the Prophet ﷺ.
For Muslims, hijama is more than a treatment — it is following an example. Many of our patients come for the Sunnah first and for their health as well. Both are taken care of here: the Sunnah in timing and intention, and your health through a doctor’s assessment and strict hygiene.
Authentic hadith on hijama
English wording from the translations on sunnah.com, with the grading shown there. Tap a reference to read the full narration.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “The best medicines you may treat yourselves with are cupping and sea incense.” — Sahih al-Bukhari 5696 · Sahih
In the same narration, Anas reports that the Prophet ﷺ was cupped by Abu Taiba and paid him — showing hijama is honourable, skilled work. — Sahih al-Bukhari 5696 · Sahih
Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas: “The Prophet ﷺ was cupped while he was in the state of Ihram, and also while he was observing a fast.” — Sahih al-Bukhari 1938 · Sahih
Anas narrated: “The Prophet ﷺ would get cupped in his jugular veins and his upper back. And he would get cupped on the seventeenth, the nineteenth, and the twenty first.” — Jami’ at-Tirmidhi 2051 · Imam at-Tirmidhi: hasan sahih; Darussalam: Da’if
Narrated Abu Hurayrah: The Prophet ﷺ said: “If anyone has himself cupped on the 17th, 19th and 21st it will be a remedy for every disease.” — Sunan Abi Dawud 3861 · Hasan (Al-Albani)
Ibn ‘Umar reported: “Cupping on an empty stomach is better, and in it there is healing and blessing… have yourselves cupped… on Thursdays… Have yourselves cupped on Mondays and Tuesdays.” — Sunan Ibn Majah 3487 · Da’if (Darussalam)
What each hadith teaches
| Teaching | Reference | Grading on sunnah.com |
|---|---|---|
| Cupping is among the best remedies | Sahih al-Bukhari 5696 | Sahih |
| Paying the cupper is permitted | Sahih al-Bukhari 5696 | Sahih |
| Cupping while fasting and in Ihram | Sahih al-Bukhari 1938 | Sahih |
| Cupped on the neck and upper back | Jami’ at-Tirmidhi 2051 | Hasan sahih (Tirmidhi); Da’if (Darussalam) |
| The 17th, 19th and 21st of the month | Sunan Abi Dawud 3861 | Hasan (Al-Albani) |
| Empty stomach; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday | Sunan Ibn Majah 3487 | Da’if (Darussalam) |
Scholars differ on some gradings. We show them as sunnah.com does, so you can read and decide with your own scholar.
Where on the body: the Sunnah points
The narration of Anas (Tirmidhi 2051) names two places where the Prophet ﷺ was cupped: the two sides of the neck (al-akhda‘ayn, translated as the jugular veins) and the upper back between the shoulders (al-kahil). These are the points patients most often ask for as “Sunnah points”.
At our clinic the upper-back point (kahil) is the usual starting point. Other points are chosen by Dr. Siddiqui after examining you, according to your complaint — the number of cups is decided by your assessment, not by a fixed chart. The same points are used for women, with a female therapist. See all points on our interactive hijama points chart.
- Al-kahil — upper back, between the shoulders
- Al-akhda‘ayn — the two sides of the neck
- Further points chosen after your examination
- Same points for women, with a female therapist
Sunnah dates and days
- 17th, 19th and 21st of the Islamic (Hijri) month
- From Abu Dawud 3861 and Tirmidhi 2051
- Preferred, not required — hijama is allowed on other days when needed
Live calendar: hijama Sunnah dates.
- Monday, Tuesday and Thursday named in Ibn Majah 3487
- Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday to be avoided in that narration
- Empty stomach preferred — eat lightly if you feel weak
- Our clinic: Saturday–Thursday, 11 AM–7 PM
How we practise Sunnah hijama
The Prophet ﷺ chose a skilled cupper. We follow that example with care at every step.
- IntentionBegin with the right intention
Many patients make the intention of following the Sunnah and seeking healing from Allah, and begin with Bismillah.
- AssessmentDoctor’s consultation
Dr. Saeedul Hasan Siddiqui takes your history, checks your medicines and examines you — free of charge.
- HijamaWet cupping, single-use cups
Cups on the Sunnah and chosen points, tiny superficial scratches with a sterile blade, then the cups again. Wet cupping is done by Dr. Siddiqui or by our trained therapists under his supervision.
- CloseClean and dress
The skin is cleaned and dressed; used cups and blades are discarded.
- AftercareWritten aftercare
Rest, keep the area dry for 24 hours, avoid the gym for 48 hours. See aftercare.
Hijama in Islamic and Unani medicine
After the time of the Prophet ﷺ, hijama remained part of the healing tradition of the Muslim world. Ibn Sina (Avicenna) described cupping in The Canon of Medicine, and the practice passed into Unani medicine, which is still taught and practised in India today.
Dr. Siddiqui is a Unani-trained physician (B.I.M.S.). His work joins both strands: the Sunnah that patients love, and the clinical knowledge of Unani medicine about who to treat, where, and how often. Today elite athletes, including Olympic swimmers, use cupping for recovery — a practice the Prophet ﷺ praised fourteen centuries ago. More: the history of hijama.
The Sunnah, with modern hygiene
Following the Sunnah also means caring for the body Allah has entrusted to us. That is why every hijama here begins with a medical assessment, and why some people are asked to wait or to choose dry cupping instead.
We do not perform wet cupping during pregnancy, during a period, for people on blood thinners without their doctor’s advice, or on broken or infected skin. Keep taking any medicines your doctor has prescribed — hijama works alongside them.
- Doctor’s assessment before every session
- Single-use cups and sterile blades
- Private rooms and female therapists
- We tell you if hijama should wait
Hijama in Islam: myths and facts
Tap a card to see the fact.
Hijama in Islam — your questions
Is hijama Sunnah?
Yes. The Prophet ﷺ was cupped, praised cupping as among the best remedies (Sahih al-Bukhari 5696) and paid his cupper.
Is hijama compulsory?
No. It is a recommended Sunnah practice, not an obligation.
Where did the Prophet ﷺ have hijama?
On the two sides of the neck and the upper back between the shoulders, according to the narration of Anas in Jami’ at-Tirmidhi 2051.
What are the Sunnah points for ladies?
The same as for men — the upper back (kahil) is the usual first point — with other points chosen after examination. A female therapist is available on request.
What are the Sunnah dates?
The 17th, 19th and 21st of the Islamic month. See the live Sunnah dates calendar.
Is there a special dua for hijama?
We do not know of an authentic dua specific to hijama. Patients begin with Bismillah and make their own dua for healing.
Can I have hijama while fasting?
The Prophet ﷺ was cupped while fasting (Sahih al-Bukhari 1938). Scholars differ on the details, so ask your scholar; if you tend to feel weak, we may suggest after iftar.
Is it permissible to pay for hijama?
Yes — the Prophet ﷺ paid Abu Taiba. Our fee is ₹200 per cup, with the consultation free.
Is wet or dry cupping the Sunnah?
Hijama in the hadith is wet cupping. Dry cupping is a gentler option we offer when wet cupping is not suitable for you.
Does the hijama blood have to be buried?
Practices differ. At our clinic all blood and used equipment are disposed of hygienically as clinical waste.
Who performs the hijama?
Dr. Saeedul Hasan Siddiqui examines you first; the hijama is then done by him or by our trained therapists under his supervision, with female therapists for women.
Is this page a religious ruling?
No — it shares the hadith with references. For rulings, please ask a scholar you trust; for health questions, speak to the doctor.
Continue reading
Live calendar of the 17th, 19th and 21st.
See datesHow wet cupping is done at our clinic.
Learn moreFemale therapists and a private room.
Learn moreWhat is normal, and who should wait.
Read more₹200 per cup, with a calculator.
See prices100 m from Okhla Vihar metro.
Get directionsBook your Sunnah hijama
Message us your preferred date. We confirm the day, the time, and a female therapist if you prefer.