History of Hijama
Hijama is an ancient therapeutic cure for the mind and body dating back as old as 1400 years ago, during the advent of Islam in Saudi Arabia. Hijama formerly known as Wet Cupping is uniquely an Islamic phenomenon. Barbers had multiple roles to perform and cupping was one of them. Public steam baths or ‘hammam’ also provided these services. Hijama was highly recommended by Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) to his nation “Ummah” and hence well-practiced by the Muslim scientists who elaborated and developed the method further.
It is an ultimate means of attaining optimum health and physical, mental and emotional balance. Wet cupping includes having it administered on certain meridian and pressure points “Sunnah” points around the body. Although other nations perform wet cupping, it is different from Hijama Wet Cupping due to it has its own strict rules based on religious practices ordained by Allah SWT.
“Jibreel (Angel Gabriel) has informed me that Hijama Cupping is the most useful medication for People.” Stated by Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), as reported by Abu-Hurayrah (recorded by al-Hakim, verified to be authentic by al-Albani [ Sahih ul-Jami #218]).
Anas(r) related from Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) that he said: “The Messenger of Allah PBUH used to have cupping on the jugular veins and the upper part of the neck on the 17th, 19th and 21st (day of the lunar month).” (At-Tirmidhi)
Muslim medics in history
Some of the most genius, renowned and influential Muslim medics in history that performed hijama
Ibn Sina
Ibn Sina (Avicenna 980-1037) Abu Ali al-Husain ibn Abdullah ibn Sina. Author of ‘The Canon of Medicine (Al Qanum fi al-Tibb) completed in 1025
Al-Zahrawi
Abu al-Qasim Al-Zahrawi (936-1013) author of ‘Kitab al-Tasrif’ completed in the year 1000.
Al-Razi
Muhammad ibn Zakariya Razi (Al Razi) (865-925) author of ‘Doubts About Galen (Shukuk ‘ala alinusar)
