SUNNAH HIJAMA DAYS
Hijama Sunnah Days: Best Days for Hijama According to the Sunnah
Certain days of the lunar month are traditionally associated with Hijama in Islamic practice. This guide explains the commonly referenced Sunnah Hijama days, the narrations behind them, how these dates are calculated, and how traditional timing differs from treatment based on medical need.
In short:
The 17th, 19th and 21st days of the Hijri lunar month are commonly cited as preferred days for Hijama in traditional Islamic practice. However, the strength and interpretation of the related narrations vary, and Hijama needed for a health concern does not necessarily have to be delayed until one of these dates.
Islamic Hijama Dates and Sunnah Days
Hijama Sunnah days are traditionally associated with specific dates in the lunar month. Common searches such as “Hijama dates as per Sunnah” and “Islamic Hijama dates” usually refer to the 17th, 19th and 21st days mentioned in Hadith narrations. The strength and interpretation of these narrations should be considered carefully when discussing preferred Hijama dates and timing.
Table of Contents
01
What Are the Sunnah Days for Hijama?
02
Why Are the 17th, 19th and 21st Mentioned?
03
How Are Hijama Dates Calculated?
04
Does Hijama Have to Be Done on Sunnah Days?
05
Are There Days to Avoid Hijama?
06
Hijama for Medical Need vs Sunnah Timing
07
What Do the Hadith Sources Say?
08
Common Questions About Hijama Days
10
11
What Are the Sunnah Days for Hijama?
The 17th, 19th and 21st days of the Hijri lunar month are the dates most commonly associated with preferred Hijama timing in Islamic tradition.
These dates are based on narrations that mention cupping on specific days of the lunar month. Because the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, the corresponding Gregorian dates change from month to month.
Traditional Sunnah timing should be distinguished from Hijama performed for a health-related need. When treatment is being considered for a specific complaint, individual suitability and clinical circumstances may also influence the timing.
Key Point
The most commonly referenced Sunnah Hijama days are the 17th, 19th and 21st of the Hijri month.
Why Are the 17th, 19th and 21st Mentioned?
The 17th, 19th and 21st days of the Hijri month are mentioned in several narrations related to cupping. One narration from Anas ibn Malik reports that the Prophet ﷺ used to have cupping performed on these dates. Sunnah
Another narration attributed to Abu Hurayrah mentions cupping on the 17th, 19th or 21st of the lunar month. These reports are the main reason these dates became widely associated with Sunnah Hijama practice. Zujajah.org
However, the strength of individual narrations and the conclusions scholars draw from them can differ. For this reason, these dates are best presented as traditionally recommended Hijama days rather than as an absolute requirement for every session.
Key Point
The 17th, 19th and 21st are rooted in hadith narrations, but traditional timing should not be confused with a medical requirement.
How Are Hijama Dates Calculated?
Sunnah Hijama dates are calculated using the Hijri lunar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar. The commonly referenced days are the 17th, 19th and 21st of each Hijri month.
Identify the Hijri Month
Confirm the current Islamic month using a reliable local Hijri calendar.
Find the 17th, 19th and 21st
Locate these three dates within that Hijri month.
Convert to Gregorian Dates
Check which Gregorian dates correspond to those Hijri dates for that month.
Because the Hijri calendar is lunar, the corresponding Gregorian dates move each month and each year. They should therefore not be treated as fixed dates on the Gregorian calendar.
Does Hijama Have to Be Done on Sunnah Days?
Hijama does not have to be performed only on the 17th, 19th or 21st of the Hijri month. These dates are traditionally associated with preferred Sunnah timing, but they should be distinguished from cupping performed because of a health-related need.
Sunnah Hijama Days
The 17th, 19th and 21st of the Hijri month are commonly referenced as preferred dates in traditional Islamic practice. A person choosing Hijama for Sunnah practice may prefer one of these days when practical.
Hijama for a Health Need
When cupping is being considered for a particular symptom or health concern, timing should also take into account individual suitability, clinical need and appropriate assessment rather than waiting solely for a specific lunar date.
Are There Days to Avoid Hijama?
Some narrations discourage cupping on particular days of the week, including Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. One such report appears in Sunan Ibn Majah, although this narration has been graded weak (Da‘if) by some hadith scholars.
Because the reports about avoiding specific weekdays differ in authenticity and interpretation, it would be too strong to state that Hijama is religiously prohibited on those days. There is no clear consensus based on an authentic narration establishing a general prohibition on cupping on a particular weekday.
For this reason, a careful presentation is to distinguish between traditional preferences and firm religious rules. A person may choose to follow the commonly preferred Sunnah dates, but Hijama should not be presented as forbidden on a particular weekday without clear evidence.
Key Point
Narrations about avoiding particular weekdays exist, but their authenticity is disputed. These days should not be presented as absolutely prohibited for Hijama.
Sources:
Sunan Ibn Majah 3487 · Hadith commentary and grading
Hijama for Medical Need vs Sunnah Timing
Sunnah Hijama timing refers to the traditional preference for specific days of the Hijri month, particularly the 17th, 19th and 21st. This timing is mainly relevant when a person chooses Hijama as an elective Sunnah practice.
When Hijama is being considered because of pain, muscle tension or another health-related concern, the timing should also take into account the individual’s condition, suitability and clinical circumstances.
A health-related treatment should not automatically be delayed solely to wait for a preferred lunar date if assessment suggests that earlier care is appropriate. Likewise, Hijama should not replace necessary medical diagnosis or treatment when these are required.
Key Point
Sunnah timing and clinical timing are different considerations. The preferred lunar dates may guide elective Hijama, while health-related treatment should also consider individual need and suitability.
What Do the Hadith Sources Say About Hijama Days?
Several narrations mention the 17th, 19th and 21st days of the lunar month in connection with cupping. The individual narrations are not all graded equally, so their source and reported grading should be shown clearly.
مَنِ احْتَجَمَ لِسَبْعَ عَشْرَةَ وَتِسْعَ عَشْرَةَ وَإِحْدَى وَعِشْرِينَ كَانَ شِفَاءً مِنْ كُلِّ دَاءٍ
Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet ﷺ mentioned cupping on the 17th, 19th and 21st of the month and described these dates positively in relation to treatment.
وَكَانَ يَحْتَجِمُ لِسَبْعَ عَشْرَةَ وَتِسْعَ عَشْرَةَ وَإِحْدَى وَعِشْرِينَ
Anas reported that the Prophet ﷺ would have cupping performed on the 17th, 19th and 21st of the month.
Common Questions About Hijama Days
What are the best days for Hijama according to the Sunnah?
Does Hijama have to be done on the 17th, 19th or 21st?
Are there specific weekdays when Hijama should be avoided?
How do I know the Sunnah Hijama dates each month?
Can Hijama be done outside the Sunnah days for a health concern?
Summary: Hijama Sunnah Days
The 17th, 19th and 21st days of the Hijri lunar month are the dates most commonly associated with preferred Hijama timing in Islamic tradition.
These dates are based on hadith narrations, although the strength of individual reports varies. For this reason, they are best described as traditionally preferred Sunnah days rather than as obligatory dates for every Hijama session.
Because the Hijri calendar is lunar, the corresponding Gregorian dates change each month and may vary slightly between countries depending on moon sighting or calendar method.
When Hijama is being considered for a health-related need, timing should also take into account individual suitability and clinical circumstances rather than waiting solely for a preferred lunar date.
Key Takeaway
The 17th, 19th and 21st are the most commonly referenced Sunnah Hijama days, but they are preferred traditional dates rather than an absolute requirement for every session.
SCIENTIFIC REFERENCES
References
01
Sunan Abi Dawud 3861
Narrated Abu Hurayrah: the Prophet ﷺ said that cupping on the 17th, 19th and 21st is associated with remedy.
Grade: Hasan (Al-Albani). Sunnah
02
Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi 2051
Anas reported that the Prophet ﷺ would have cupping performed on the 17th, 19th and 21st of the month.
Grade: Da‘if (Darussalam), although the text itself is widely cited in discussions of Sunnah Hijama timing. Sunnah
03
Sunan Ibn Majah 3486
A narration from Anas mentions seeking cupping on the 17th, 19th or 21st of the month.
Grade: Da‘if (Darussalam). Sunnah
04
Scholarly discussion on the timing of cupping
A review of the reports notes that narrations about specific Hijama dates and weekdays differ in authenticity, while a number of scholars still regarded the 17th, 19th and 21st as preferred dates based on the combined body of reports and practice of the Companions. Islam-QA
Reference Note
Hadith gradings can differ between scholars and editions. For this reason, this guide presents the 17th, 19th and 21st as commonly referenced Sunnah Hijama days rather than as obligatory dates.
Written by
Dr Amr Salama, DPT
DPT, Cairo University • Licensed Physiotherapist in Dubai • MOHAP-Licensed Hijama Practitioner
Dr Amr Salama writes and reviews evidence-informed educational content on Hijama, cupping therapy, rehabilitation and related health topics.
Last reviewed
October 2026
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