Hijama from the Sunnah

What is Hijama (wet cupping) in Islam

Hijama (wet cupping) refers to the method of drawing blood from the body using cups with slight incisions, to remove “stagnant blood” or impurities. The term comes from the Arabic root ḥajm, meaning “to draw or suck.” According to scholars, as practiced in the Sunnah, it is done in a safe, measured way by experienced practitioners.

Hadiths that mention Hijama

Hadith on Hijama (Cupping)

Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with them both) reported that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Healing is to be found in three things: drinking honey, the knife of the cupper, and cauterization of fire.”
(Reported by al-Bukhari, 10/136)

Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“If there is any good in your medical treatments, it is in the knife of the cupper, drinking honey, or cauterization with fire, as appropriate to the cause of the illness, but I would not like to be cauterized.”
(Reported by al-Bukhari, 10/139)

Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“I did not pass by any group on the night when I was taken on the Night Journey (Isra’), but they said to me, ‘O Muhammad, tell your ummah to do cupping.’”
(Reported by Ibn Maajah; corroborated by other reports)

Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with them both) reported:
“The Prophet ﷺ was treated with cupping, and he paid the cupper his fee.”
(Reported by al-Bukhari, 10/124; Muslim, 1202)

Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was treated with cupping by Abu Tayyibah. He commanded that he should be given two measures of food, and he spoke with his tax-collectors, who reduced his taxes. He said, ‘The best treatment you can use is cupping.’”
(Reported by al-Bukhari, 10/126; Muslim, 1577)

Sunnah Days for Hijama: What are they and why

Islamic tradition (from the hadiths and classical scholars) suggests that certain days of the lunar (Hijri) month are more recommended for cupping. These are called the Hijama Sunnah Days. They fall typically on:

• 17th day
• 19th day
• 21st day

These days are suggested because of prophetic narrations and interpretations by scholars believing these dates offer better flow of bodily “fluids,” and that blood circulation is gentler yet effective.

Some narrations also recommend doing cupping on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, and avoiding it on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. (Sunnah)

However, these are not compulsory. If one needs treatment, it is permissible to perform Hijama on other days. The Sunnah days are considered preferable but not mandatory.

The wisdom and benefits behind Sunnah timing

• Some scholars draw analogy with the moon’s effect on body fluids, similar to tides positing certain lunar days help better removal of “impurities.”
• Timing also helps moderate blood flow: the 17–21 window is not too early or late in the month, which may reduce risks of excessive bleeding. (Islam-QA)
• Many believe doing it on recommended days aligns with spiritual rewards and the Sunnah, giving both physical and spiritual benefit.