Hijama is the Arabic term for wet cupping, where blood is drawn by vacuum from a small skin incision for therapeutic purposes. The practice has Greek and Persian origin and is mentioned by Hippocrates. It is reported that the Islamic prophet Muhammad said, "Indeed the best of remedies you have is Hijama, and if there was something excellent to be used as a remedy then it is Hijama. Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: (The Prophet said), "Healing is in three things: A gulp of honey, cupping, and branding with fire (cauterizing). But I forbid my followers to use (cauterization) branding with fire." Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: The Prophet was cupped on his head for an ailment he was suffering from while he was in a state of Ihram at a water place called Lahl Jamal. Ibn 'Abbas further said: Allah's Messenger was cupped on his head for unilateral headache while he was in a state of Ihram.

                           It is narrated on the authority of Humaid that Anas b. Malik was asked about the earnings of the cupper. He said: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) got himself cupped. His cupper was Abu Taiba and he (the Prophet) commanded to give him two sa's [a unit of measurement] of dates. He (the Holy Prophet) talked with the members of his family and they lightened the burden of Kharaj (tax) from him (i.e. they made remission in the charges of their own accord). He (Allah's Messenger) said: The best (treatment) which you take is cupping, or it is the best of your treatments.