Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Guidance on Hijama: Authentic Hadiths and Healing Wisdom
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Hijama (cupping therapy) is not only a physical treatment but also a Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Numerous Hadiths mention its benefits, recommended days, body areas, and its usage for specific illnesses. Let’s explore authentic narrations that highlight its spiritual and healing significance.
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Sayings on the Benefits of Hijama
“If there was something excellent to be used as a remedy, then it is Hijama.”
Abu Huraira (RA) – Sunan Abi Dawud #3857, Ibn Majah #3476
“Indeed, in Hijama there is a cure.”
Saheeh Muslim #5706
“If there is any good in your remedies, then it is in a gulp of honey, Hijama, or cauterisation — but I do not like to be cauterised.”
Sahih Bukhari #570
“The best medicine with which you treat yourselves is Hijama, or it is one of the best of your medicines.”
Sahih Bukhari #5371
Hijama and Fasting
“Hijama on an empty stomach is best. In it is a cure and a blessing. It improves the intellect and memory.”
Sunan Ibn Majah #3487
Angels Recommended Hijama to the Prophet (PBUH)
“I didn’t pass by an angel during the Night Journey except that they all said to me: ‘O Muhammad, instruct your Ummah to perform Hijama.’”
Ibn Abbas (RA), Sunan Ibn Majah #3477
“O Muhammad, order your Ummah with Hijama.”
Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (RA), Sunan Tirmidhi #3479
Hijama for Women
Umme Salama (RA) asked for Hijama, and the Prophet (PBUH) instructed Abu Teeba (RA) to perform it on her.
Saheeh Muslim #5708, Abu Dawud #4102, Ibn Majah #3480
(He was her milk-brother or a young boy not yet pubescent.)
Best Days for Hijama
“Perform Hijama on the 17th, 19th, or 21st day of the lunar month.”
Abu Huraira (RA), Sunan Abi Dawud #3861
Areas of the Body Cupped by the Prophet (PBUH)
Head, Neck, and Upper Back
Sahih Bukhari #5699
Hip (for pain relief)
Sunan Abi Dawud #3863
Other Areas
Top of the foot
Under the chin
Between the shoulders
Sunan Abi Dawud #1836, #3860
Specific Conditions Treated by Hijama According to Hadith
Headaches
— “Hijama for headache relief.”
— Sunan Abi Dawud #3858
Black Magic
— Prophet (PBUH) was cupped on the head when afflicted.
— Zaad al-Ma’aad 4/125-126
Poison
— Prophet (PBUH) was cupped after consuming poisoned meat.
— Ahmad 1/305
General Guidelines and Ethics from the Prophet (PBUH)
Choose a skilled and gentle cupper
— Sunan Ibn Majah #3487
The Prophet (PBUH) paid his cupper and even interceded to reduce his tax
— Sahih Bukhari #5696
He had Hijama performed on himself and compensated the practitioner
— Sahih al-Bukhari #1997, Sahih Muslim #1578
Final Thoughts
Hijama is not only a healing method but a Sunnah backed by powerful Hadiths. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) strongly recommended Hijama for various health concerns and emphasized its benefits for the Ummah. Following his guidance can lead to both physical well-being and spiritual rewards.
