Cupping (hijama)

الحجامة

Hijama is the drawing of blood by suction after the skin has been cut with a cupping instrument. It differs from fasd, which is opening a vein. ¹ Jurists regard cupping as recommended for treatment, on the basis of hadiths in the two Sahih collections. ¹ On whether it breaks wudu', the Hanafis treat it as breaking; the Hanbalis require wudu' for heavy bleeding; the Malikis and Shafi'is do not require it. ² On fasting, the Hanafis dislike it for a fasting person who is weakened; the Malikis judge by the person's strength and likelihood of harm; the Shafi'is hold that it does not break the fast; the Hanbalis hold that it breaks the fast for both the cupper and the cupped. ³ On the pilgrim's state of ihram, the Hanafis see no objection; the Malikis forbid it without need if it entails removing hair; the Shafi'is allow it when it does not cut hair; the Hanbalis allow it, and removing hair brings a redemption payment. ^{4 5} Most jurists allow cupping as a paid trade, while a view attributed to Ahmad disapproves of the fee; the cupper is not liable if he performs the task skilfully and within what is customary. ⁵