Reviving the Sunnah of Hijama for Muslims in America

Hijama, also known as traditional wet cupping, or blood letting, is a ancient  & ancestral Islamic medicinal practice that has been utilized for centuries across the globe. Despite its profound importance in Islamic tradition and its multifarious health benefits, the practice of Hijama has become distanced from Muslim communities, particularly in America.

This article highlights The Diminishing Use of Hijama in Muslim Communities in America & why that might be.

Hijama is an ancient Islamic medicinal practice that dates back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This practice involves creating a vacuum suction in a cupping cup, and placing it on the skin to draw out impurities and toxins from the body. This process stimulates blood circulation, facilitates the removal of waste products, and encourages rapid healing & overall health to the mind-body-spirit.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) highly commended the practice of Hijama, describing it as the best of remedies. He himself underwent the procedure regularly and urged his companions to do the same. The practice became an integral part of Islamic medicine and was widely used in Islamic societies for centuries.

Lack of Knowledge and Awareness is one of the primary reasons for the diminishing use of Hijama in Muslim communities in America. This  lack of knowledge and awareness regarding the practice could be due to the widely dominated western medicine culture we live in here. Many Muslims, especially those who migrated to America, are not familiar with the naturopathic practice and the benefits to cure & treat naturally first. They may have grown up in societies where the practice was not widespread, or they may not have had access to trained practitioners.

Furthermore, many Muslims may not be cognizant of the Islamic significance of Hijama and its association with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This lack of awareness can lead to a general apathy towards the practice, and it may be easily overlooked or disregarded.

Another reason for the decline of Hijama in Muslim communities in America is the prevalence of negative stereotypes and misconceptions about the practice. In some communities, Hijama is associated with superstition or considered to be an archaic or primitive form of medicine. Some Muslims may also be hesitant to undergo the procedure due to misconceptions about its safety or efficacy.

These negative stereotypes and misconceptions are often fueled by a lack of understanding regarding the science and benefits of Hijama. It is imperative for Muslims to educate themselves or take classes & workshops with us in the future to learn about the practice and its benefits so that they can make informed decisions regarding their health and well-being.

Another factor contributing to the diminishing use of Hijama in Muslim communities in America is a lack of trained practitioners. The practice of Hijama necessitates specialized training and expertise, and there may be a dearth of qualified practitioners in certain areas.

Currently Christopher and Sarena Doucette of Manos de Luz Massage & Hijama are the only known business practicing this type of traditional Islamic hijama cupping here in El Paso, Texas and they will travel happily to your community like they do with their annual trips to California to bring these sessions to places where there is a need for it & an awareness around it.

There is also a Lack of Integration with Western Medicine. In some cases, Muslims may perceive Hijama as an alternative or complementary medicine, rather than an integral part of their overall healthcare. This can lead to a lack of communication and coordination between Hijama practitioners and Western medical professionals. Muslims may not feel comfortable discussing their Hijama treatment with their doctors, or their doctors may not be familiar with the practice or its benefits. Also, insurance companies in America may not cover the cost of Hijama treatments, which can make it more arduous for Muslims to access the practice and may limit its popularity.

The tendency to immediately seek medical attention from doctors or hospitals in America is deeply ingrained in the culture. However, this practice is not always necessary, and in some cases, it can be harmful. Traditional remedies, such as Hijama, have been utilized for centuries and have been proven to be effective in treating a variety of ailments.

As Muslims, it is important to remember that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) highly recommended the practice of Hijama and encouraged his companions to utilize it. In fact, he considered it to be the best of remedies, and it is even reported that he would undergo the procedure regularly.

In our modern-day society, many Muslims have strayed away from the traditional practices of Islamic medicine and have adopted a more Westernized approach to healthcare. This approach often involves relying solely on doctors and hospitals and neglecting the use of natural remedies.

However, it is imperative for Muslims to return to the practices that were highly esteemed by our Prophet (peace be upon him) and integrate them into our overall healthcare plan. By doing so, we can not only reap the benefits of natural remedies like Hijama, but we can also remain true to our Islamic heritage and traditions.

It is important to note that this is not to discredit the Western medical system or the importance of seeking medical attention when necessary. Rather, it is about finding a balance between Western medicine and traditional remedies, such as Hijama, and utilizing both as needed.

In conclusion, Muslims in America must change their mindset regarding healthcare and embrace traditional remedies like Hijama. By doing so, we can not only improve our physical health, but we can also honor our Islamic heritage and follow in the footsteps of our Prophet (peace be upon him).