Is It Permissible to Perform Hijama (Cupping) Privately in Islam?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
Is it permissible to perform Hijama (Cupping) privately in Islam, and how should one balance local laws with Islamic teachings?
Answer
In the name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate.
Islam encourages the use of natural and beneficial treatments, and cupping (hijama) is one of them. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) highlighted its effectiveness and healing benefits in several narrations. He (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Indeed, the best of remedies you have is cupping…” [Bukhari].
Permissibility of Private Hijama
Performing hijama is sunna, whether privately or in a clinical setting, as long as the practitioner knows what they’re doing (does not cause harm) and maintains Islamic standards. While traditional Islamic teachings do not specify the need for regulatory oversight, the principle of causing no harm is fundamental to Islamic law.
Thus, while cupping can be done privately, one should practice such procedures cautiously and, ideally, consult your doctor first.
Balancing Local Laws and Islamic Teachings
Islam requires Muslims to respect the laws of the land as long as these laws do not contradict Islam’s Laws. Many countries regulate medical and alternative treatments to safeguard public health. If local laws require specific licensing or certification for practising hijama, Muslims should strive to adhere to these regulations. Please visit this related answer.
If the laws are unjustly restrictive or make it unreasonably difficult to practice hijama, it is advisable to seek counsel from knowledgeable scholars and health authorities to find a lawful and practical approach that preserves both the spirit of Islamic guidance and societal responsibility.
Allah knows best, and we ask Him to guide us in beneficial actions that bring well-being and adhere to His law in all aspects of life.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Mohammad Abu Bakr Badhib
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.
