Thursday 18 Ramadan 1445 - 28 March 2024
English

He is asking about the sites for cupping

Question

What is the ruling on cupping during Ramadaan? What are the sites for cupping? Please also explain the illnesses that may be treated at each site.

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

Firstly: 

In the answer to question no. 38023 we stated that cupping is one of the things that invalidate the fast, hence it is not permissible to do it except in the case of sick person who is in need of it, in which case he may be treated with cupping and break his fast, and he has to make that day up later on.  

Secondly: 

With regard to the sites of cupping: 

1 – al-Bukhaari (2156) narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was treated with cupping on his head when he was in ihraam, and for some kinds of pain.” It was also narrated by Muslim (1203) from the hadeeth of Ibn Buhaynah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was treated with cupping on the road to Makkah when he was in ihraam, in the middle of his head. 

2 – Abu Dawood (3860), al-Tirmidhi (390) and Ibn Maajah (3483) narrated from Anas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was treated with cupping three times in the two veins at the side of the neck and the base of the neck. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood. 

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: Cupping in the veins at the side of the neck is beneficial for sicknesses of the head and its parts, such as the face, teeth, ears, eyes, nose and throat, if the cause is an excess of blood or corruption of the blood, or both. End quote from Zaad al-Ma’aad, 4/51. 

3 – Abu Dawood (3863) narrated from Jaabir (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was treated with cupping on his hip for a pain in that site. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood. 

4 – al-Nasaa’i (2849) narrated from Anas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was treated with cupping when he was in ihraam, on the back of his foot, for a pain in that site. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Nasaa’i. 

So these five sites are proven in the Sunnah: The head, the two veins at the side of the neck, the base of the neck, the hip and the back of the foot. 

There are other sites which are known to those who are specialized in cupping. 

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: Cupping beneath the chin is beneficial for pains in the teeth, face and throat, if it is used at the right time. It purifies the head and hands. Cupping on the top of the foot is a substitution for venesection of the saafin, which is a large vein in the heel; it is beneficial for treating abscesses of the thigh and calf, cessation of menses and itching in the testicles. Cupping at the bottom of the chest is beneficial for the treatment of sores, scabies and pustules on the thighs, and of gout and scabies.  

End quote from Zaad al-Ma’aad, 4/53 

For more details on the diseases that may be treated by cupping, and the sites that are suitable for cupping, please contact those who are skilled in cupping. 

And Allaah knows best.

Was this answer helpful?

Source: Islam Q&A