Hijama during Ramadan: does it break the fast?
Scholars differ: the Hanbali school holds that hijama breaks the fast, while most other schools hold that it does not. Done in the evening, after breaking the fast, it raises no question about the fast, whichever opinion you follow.
The two opinions
First opinion
It breaks the fast
This is the view of Imam Ahmad and the Hanbali school, held by Ibn Taymiyya and, among contemporary scholars, by Ibn Baz and Ibn 'Uthaymin. It relies on the narration: "The one who cups and the one who is cupped have broken their fast", reported by Abu Dawud (no. 2367), at-Tirmidhi (no. 774) and Ibn Majah (no. 1679).
Second opinion
It does not break the fast
This is the view of most schools (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i) and, among contemporary scholars, of al-Albani. It relies on the narration of Ibn 'Abbas that the Prophet ﷺ was cupped while fasting (al-Bukhari, no. 1938), and on that of Abu Sa'id al-Khudri that a concession was later given for hijama while fasting. For them, the first narration was abrogated.
Both opinions agree on one point: hijama is disliked for someone it weakens to the point of making their fast difficult. Anas ibn Malik, asked about hijama for the fasting person, said it was only disliked because of that weakness (al-Bukhari, no. 1940).
Hijama.app does not issue religious rulings: follow the opinion of the person of knowledge you trust.
In practice: hijama in the evening
Between breaking the fast and dawn, you are not fasting. A session at that time therefore does not affect the fast under either opinion. This is why many practitioners open evening slots during Ramadan.
Plan to eat and drink before the session, then rest: your body has fasted all day.
The sunnah days during Ramadan
The 17th, 19th and 21st of Ramadan fall during the fast. Anyone who follows the Hanbali view and wants one of these days should keep the Hijri way of counting in mind: the night belongs to the following day. The evening after breaking the fast on the 16th of Ramadan is therefore already the night of the 17th; the evening of the 17th is the night of the 18th.
Remember: choosing the 17th, 19th or 21st follows a narration accepted by some hadith scholars and considered weak by others. Having your session on another day is not a mistake.
Book your session before, during or after Ramadan
On Hijama.app, every practitioner shows their free slots, including evenings when they offer them. Sunnah days are marked with a crescent in every calendar.
Frequently asked questions
Does hijama break the fast?
Scholars differ. According to the Hanbali school, and among contemporary scholars Ibn Baz and Ibn 'Uthaymin, it breaks the fast of the person being cupped. According to most other schools (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i), and among contemporary scholars al-Albani, it does not break it, but it is disliked for someone it weakens.
Can hijama be done in the evening during Ramadan?
Yes. From breaking the fast until dawn, you are not fasting, so hijama raises no question about the fast, whichever opinion you follow. Many people who want to avoid the difference of opinion choose this.
What if I had hijama during the day in Ramadan?
According to the Hanbali view, the day must be made up. According to the majority view, the fast remains valid. Ask a person of knowledge and explain your situation.
Can hijama be done on the 17th, 19th or 21st of Ramadan?
These days fall during the fast, so the same difference of opinion applies. Note how days are counted: in the Hijri calendar, the night belongs to the following day. The evening after breaking the fast on the 16th of Ramadan is therefore already the night of the 17th.
When does Ramadan 1448 start?
In February 2027. The first day is only known after the crescent is sighted on the evening of the 29th of Sha'ban: the exact dates are published on Hijama.app as soon as they are announced.
Should some people avoid hijama while fasting?
Anas ibn Malik, asked about hijama for the fasting person, said it was only disliked because of the weakness it causes (reported by al-Bukhari). Anyone frail, elderly, pregnant, diabetic or on medication should speak to their doctor first and prefer the evening.