Cupping in Islam
The word hijama descends from the Arabic word “hajm” , which means “to suck” and “to return to a normal state”. Healing comes from Allah only and He has granted us a cure for every disease.
Hijama is a practice that was highly recommended by the Prophet Sallalahu Alayhi WaSalam and is a beautiful Sunnah, such so that the Prophet Sallalahu Alayhi WaSalam declared it as the best of medicines.
He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Cupping is the most helpful procedure for human beings to cure themselves.” (Sahih al-Bukhari º5357)
Cupping and hijama are essentially the same practice , except that with hijama it is practised in accordance to the way the Prophet Sallalahu Alayhi WaSalam practiced it eg having ablution for the procedure , reciting Quran etc. Hijama is in fact such a blessed act that the hijama therapist has a special status :
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “If there is anything good in the medicines with which you treat yourselves, it is in the incision of the hijama therapist, or a drink of honey….” (Muslim º2205)
