Does cupping break the fast?
It depends on which scholars you follow. The majority of scholars say hijama (wet cupping) does not break the fast, based on the Prophet's ﷺ own example. The Hanbali school says it does. The simplest solution is to have it done after iftar, so your fast is valid under every view.
What hijama is
Hijama is a form of cupping where cups create suction on the skin, small cuts are made and a little blood is drawn out. Many Muslims have it done as a prophetic remedy. Some people also try dry cupping, which uses suction only, with no cuts and no blood taken, so the discussion below mainly concerns wet cupping.
The evidence for each view
There are two groups of reports, and scholars understand them differently.
- It does not break the fast: Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet ﷺ was cupped while he was in ihram and also while he was fasting (Sahih al-Bukhari 1938). Anas was asked whether they disliked cupping for a fasting person, and he said, "Only if it causes weakness" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1940).
- It does break the fast: Thawban reported that the Prophet ﷺ said, "The cupper and the one for whom cupping is done both break their fast" (Sunan Ibn Majah 1680; also Sunan Abi Dawud 2367).
The majority of scholars, including the Hanafi, Maliki and Shafi'i schools, say the cupping does not break the fast. They understand the "break their fast" saying as replaced by the later report of the Prophet ﷺ being cupped while fasting, or as a warning that cupping can weaken a fasting person. The Hanbali school takes the saying at face value and says both people break their fast. Some contemporary scholars follow this view. Each view rests on reports that scholars take seriously, so it is a matter of scholarly difference. See Does a blood test break my fast? for a related ruling.
The practical approach
- Book it after iftar or at night. Hijama is available in the evenings in Ramadan, and this avoids the disagreement.
- Avoid weakness. Even those who say it is allowed note the concern about feeling weak, as in the report of Anas. Fasting plus blood loss can leave you dizzy.
- If you had it during the day: if you follow the majority view or your imam does, your fast is valid. If you follow the Hanbali view, make up that day.
- Choose a trained practitioner who uses single-use blades and clean equipment, and check with your doctor if you have a health condition.
Giving blood raises a similar question. See Can I donate blood while fasting? And for sports and recovery, see Is hijama good for sports recovery?
- Most scholars say cupping does not break the fast (Sahih al-Bukhari 1938).
- The Hanbali school says both the cupper and the cupped person break the fast (Sunan Ibn Majah 1680).
- Dry cupping with no blood drawn is a different matter.
- Book hijama after iftar to be safe and avoid weakness.
People also ask
Does inhaling dust, smoke or steam break the fast?
No, accidentally breathing in dust, smoke or steam doesn't break the fast. Only deliberately drawing in thick smoke, like smoking or incense, is different.
Read the full answer →Does fasting in Ramadan forgive all my sins?
Fasting in Ramadan with faith forgives past sins, mainly minor ones. Major sins and wrongs to others still need sincere repentance and amends.
Read the full answer →Does a COVID swab test break the fast?
No, a nose or throat swab test does not break the fast, according to most contemporary scholars. Here is how different tests work and what to watch.
Read the full answer →Do ear drops break the fast?
Usually no: ear drops and ear cleaning don't break the fast for most contemporary scholars. Take care only if your eardrum is perforated.
Read the full answer →Can women pray taraweeh at the mosque?
Yes, women can pray taraweeh at the mosque, and praying at home is also fine. How it works, what to wear and tips for a smooth night.
Read the full answer →