Sunnah Days for Hijama Cupping (2026)
The recommended Sunnah days for Hijama are the 17th, 19th, and 21st of each Islamic (Hijri) month. These dates follow the Saudi Hijri calendar and change each month when converted to Gregorian dates.
We update this page monthly so you can plan your sessions in advance.
This Month's Sunnah Days
Dhul Qa'dah 1447 AH (April / May 2026)
17th Dhul Qa'dah
Sun 4 May
2026
19th Dhul Qa'dah
Tue 6 May
2026
21st Dhul Qa'dah
Thu 8 May
2026
In the Islamic calendar, each day begins at Maghrib (sunset) the evening before. This means Hijama can be performed from Maghrib on the 3rd, 5th, and 7th May onwards, giving you a 6-day window to book across these three Sunnah dates.
*Dates follow the Saudi Hijri calendar and may vary by one day depending on local moon sighting.
Upcoming Months (Estimated)
These dates are estimated based on the Saudi Hijri calendar and are subject to change depending on official moon sighting announcements. We update this page at the start of each Hijri month with confirmed dates.
"Indeed, the best of remedies you have is cupping (Hijama)."
Narrated by Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) Sahih al-Bukhari 5371
"Whoever wants to perform cupping (Hijama) then let him search for the 17th, 19th and 21st."
Narrated by Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) Sunan Ibn Majah 3486
"I did not pass by an angel from the angels on the night journey except that they all said to me: Upon you is cupping (Hijama), O Muhammad."
Narrated by Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) Sunan Ibn Majah 3477
What Are the Sunnah Days for Hijama?
The Sunnah days for Hijama refer to specific days in the Islamic lunar calendar when cupping is traditionally recommended. Based on the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the 17th, 19th, and 21st of each Hijri month are considered the most beneficial days for Hijama.
These days fall during the latter half of the lunar month when the moon is full or near-full. Some scholars suggest this is when the body's fluids are at their peak, making Hijama more effective during this window.
Why Sunnah Days Give You a 6-Day Window
In the Islamic calendar, a new day begins at Maghrib (sunset), not at midnight. This means the 17th of the Hijri month actually starts at Maghrib the evening before the corresponding Gregorian date.
Practically, this means if the 17th falls on a Sunday, Hijama can be performed from Saturday evening (after Maghrib) onwards. The same applies to the 19th and 21st.
This gives you six possible days or evenings to schedule your session across the three Sunnah dates, making it much easier to find a slot that works for you.
Do I Have to Wait for Sunnah Days?
No. If you are in pain, experiencing tension, or dealing with a specific issue, book when you need to. Recovery does not wait for a calendar.
The Sunnah days are recommended for preventative sessions and general wellbeing. If you are booking Hijama for overall health rather than a specific complaint, scheduling around the 17th, 19th, or 21st is a good approach.
Imam Ibn al-Qayyim noted that if cupping is done out of necessity, it is beneficial at any time. The recommended days are an additional consideration, not a requirement.
How to Prepare for Hijama on Sunnah Days
- Stay well hydrated the day before your session
- Avoid heavy meals two to three hours before your appointment
- Light food is fine, but avoid anything very rich or processed
- Wear comfortable clothing with easy access to the treatment area
- Book early as Sunnah day slots fill up quickly
- Make your intention (niyyah) for seeking cure and following the Sunnah
Hijama at Herts Cupping, St Albans
We offer Hijama (wet cupping) in a private, sterile clinical setting in St Albans. Every session is one-to-one with a certified practitioner using 100% single-use equipment.
Sessions include a full consultation, tailored point selection, and written aftercare guidance. We are one of the only clinics in Hertfordshire offering Hijama alongside advanced muscle scraping (IASTM) for clients who need deeper work.
Hijama pricing: Starter £50 | Signature £70 | Advanced £90
Female practitioner available for ladies upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the next Sunnah days for Hijama?
The current month's Sunnah days are shown at the top of this page. We update these monthly based on the Saudi Hijri calendar. The recommended dates are always the 17th, 19th, and 21st of each Islamic month.
Can I have Hijama on days other than Sunnah days?
Yes. Hijama is beneficial at any time, especially if you are in pain or need treatment. The Sunnah days are recommended for preventative and general wellbeing sessions. If you have a specific issue, book whenever you need to.
Why do Sunnah days start from Maghrib the night before?
In the Islamic calendar, each new day begins at Maghrib (sunset), not at midnight. So the 17th of the Hijri month actually begins at sunset on what the Gregorian calendar considers the previous day. This gives you the option of booking an evening session or a full-day session.
Do the dates change every month?
Yes. The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle and is approximately 10 to 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. This means the Sunnah days shift backward each month relative to the Gregorian calendar. We update this page monthly with the latest conversions.
Should I fast before Hijama on Sunnah days?
Fasting is not required before Hijama. However, it is recommended to avoid eating a heavy meal for two to three hours before your session. Light food and water are fine. Some clients prefer to have Hijama while fasting as part of their spiritual practice, which is also acceptable.
Do you have a female practitioner for Sunnah day sessions?
Yes. We have a dedicated female practitioner for ladies who holds a Diploma in Hijama Cupping Therapy (D2D Therapies, IPHM approved). Please WhatsApp us to confirm her availability before booking, especially on Sunnah days as slots fill quickly.
Book Hijama on a Sunnah Day
Sunnah day slots are limited and fill up fast. Book early or message us to reserve your preferred time.