Hijama – A Forgotten Sunnah!
“Indeed in cupping there is a cure.” – (Sahih Muslim, Hadith : 5706)
Cupping, an age old healing and remedial procedure practiced worldwide for centuries.
From the Ancient Egyptians in the 1550BC, to the Chinese and Europeans who practice this form of healing till date.
It is a process in which a vacuum is created within a cup and the cup is thereby placed on the body of the patient. The vacuum then creates a pressure from within and sucks the muscles inwards and draws blood to the cupped area, this is otherwise known as ‘Dry Cupping.’
However, another form of cupping that is widely recommended as the Sunnah, is called Wet Cupping or Hijama – where the cup is removed and small, shallow incisions are made in the same area before the cup is placed back. Pulling out the toxic blood, acids and excess fluids from the body.
Hijama – literally means to ‘return to normal state’ of internal well-being by removing toxicity and stagnant blood from the body. Several hadiths and narrations prove the authenticity of the holistic nature of this medical technique and the benefits it boasts.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) said: “The best thing with which you can treat sicknesses is cupping.”
The best treatment is cupping, it removes blood, lightens the back and sharpens the eye sight. (Al Hakim 4/212, Al Tirmidhi, Hadith: 3053)
Hijama is renowned as a cure for the mind, body and soul. It can have the following effects on the body:
- Improves circulatory and immune system,
- detoxification
- treats illnesses and relaxes patients,
- relieves pain,
- aids in fertility,
- Treats Neurological, cardio vascular and muscular issues,
- Alleviates depression and anxiety,
- and removes black magic.
Ibn al Qayyum (May Allah have mercy on him) mentions that the Messenger was cupped on his head when he was afflicted with magic and that it is one of the best of cures for this, if performed correctly.”
The Islamic calendar predominantly depends on the lunar cycle, and studies have discovered that the lunar cycle has a massive influence on the physiological and behavioral patterns of humans and animals. As an Islamic form of therapy, Hijama is performed under strict Islamic guidance and in accordance to the religious rules.
- The three sunnah days when Hijama is recommended to be performed are on the 17th, 19th and the 21st of every Islamic month.
- Patient and practioner should perform ablution and the procedure should take place with the Qur’an recitation.
- The sunnah points of Hijama are on the upper back. Helps cleanse and unblock major arteries and veins, as it aims to target the heart, lungs, brain and spine.
Unfortunately, this blessed practice is a fast disappearing sunnah, and it is upon us as Muslims to revive it once again and create an awareness of the multitude of benefits it possesses that are almost immediately effective and can be vouched for by the patients. Hijama should be the form of medical aid people should start considering resorting to more often than not.
Written by Safra Nawasdeen