The first documented use in Islam are found in the teachings of the Islamic prophet Mohammed (PBUH).
It is accepted by most Muslims that Wet Cupping (Hijama) is one of the remedies from the sunnah of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). Not only did he have hijama performed on himself, but he also recommended it as a beneficial treatment for various ailments. A number of hadith support its recommendation and use. As a result, the practice of cupping therapy has survived in Muslim countries. Today, wet cupping is a popular remedy practiced in many parts of the Muslim world
Here are a number of hadiths that support the remedy as sunnah.
“Sunnah” means Practices of the Prophet Mohammed (Peace be Upon Him) and his recommendations/guidance
Prophet (PBUH) said “For every disease there is a remedy and when the remedy is applied to the disease, It is healed by Allah’s Leave,” (Jabir)
Prophet (PBUH) 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).” (Abdullah ibn Abbas)
Prophet (PBUH) said: “If there is a remedy that will reach the disease, then cupping will reach it.” (Malik)
‘During the night of Isra, every company (of angels) that I passed by would say, ‘O Mohammed! Order your nation to use cupping.’ (Ibn Majah)
Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘Cupping is among your best remedies.’ (Sahihayn)
Hijama As a preventative therapy
Prophet (PBUH) said: “When the weather becomes extremely hot, seek aid in cupping/HIjama. Do not allow your blood to rage (boil) such that it kills you.” (Anas ibn Maalik)
Note that even though the various forms and methods of Cupping are beneficial, only wet cupping (hijama) is a remedy from the sunnah.
What are the Sunnah points and Sunnah Days?
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to be cupped on the JV and the upper part of the back on the seventeenth, nineteenth or twenty-first day of the month.’ (Al-Tirmidhi)
The Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘Those who have cupping on the seventeenth, nineteenth or twenty-first day of the month will be cured from every disease.’ (Abu Dawood)
It is generally recognised that the 17th, 19th or 21st day of the Islamic calendar are Sunnah days. The upper parts of the back are recognised as sunnah points
Is cupping allowed during fasting?
There are several hadiths stating that cupping breaks the fast, hence one should not perform cupping while fasting. Just-Health for obvious medical reasons state no one should have wet cupping therapy if fasting due to health and safety risks.
Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘Those undergoing cupping and those who do it have both broken the fast.’