Introduction
On the blessed night of Al-Isra wal Mi'raj, the angels gave the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) one piece of advice again and again: "Upon you is Hijama." This article looks at the Quranic evidence for the Night Journey, the authentic hadith about the angels' advice, and what it means for Muslims who want to revive this Sunnah today.
Al-Isra wal Mi'raj is one of the greatest miracles granted to the Prophet (SAW). In one night, he was taken from Masjid al-Haram in Makkah to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem (Al-Isra), then raised through the seven heavens (Al-Mi'raj).
Many scholars place the journey around the tenth year of Prophethood, after the Year of Sorrow, when the Prophet (SAW) lost his beloved wife Khadijah (RA) and his uncle Abu Talib. It came as comfort and honour from Allah (SWT). On that night, the five daily prayers were made obligatory, and among the other lessons of the journey was a clear mention of Hijama (cupping).
The Quranic evidence for the Night Journey
Allah (SWT) records the Night Journey in the Quran itself, so its reality is beyond doubt for every believer.
The Isra (Surah Al-Isra 17:1)
سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَىٰ بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلًا مِّنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ الْأَقْصَى الَّذِي بَارَكْنَا حَوْلَهُ لِنُرِيَهُ مِنْ آيَاتِنَا ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْبَصِيرُ
"Glory be to Him who took His servant by night from Al-Masjid Al-Haram to Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him some of Our signs. Indeed, He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing."
The Mi'raj (Surah An-Najm 53:13-16)
وَلَقَدْ رَآهُ نَزْلَةً أُخْرَىٰ عِندَ سِدْرَةِ الْمُنتَهَىٰ عِندَهَا جَنَّةُ الْمَأْوَىٰ إِذْ يَغْشَى السِّدْرَةَ مَا يَغْشَىٰ
"And he certainly saw him (Jibril) in another descent, at the Lote Tree of the farthest boundary, near which is the Garden of Refuge, when there covered the Lote Tree that which covered it."
The majority of scholars of Ahlus-Sunnah hold that the journey was made in body and soul while awake, not in a dream. That is why it is counted among the Prophet's (SAW) greatest miracles.
What the angels told the Prophet (SAW) about Hijama
The hadith on this topic carry one message: every group of angels the Prophet (SAW) passed that night told him to use Hijama and to command his Ummah to use it. The strongest version comes from Abdullah Ibn Mas'ud (RA).
1. The narration of Abdullah Ibn Mas'ud (RA)
حَدَّثَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ عَنْ لَيْلَةِ أُسْرِيَ بِهِ أَنَّهُ لَمْ يَمُرَّ عَلَى مَلَإٍ مِنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ إِلَّا أَمَرُوهُ: مُرْ أُمَّتَكَ بِالْحِجَامَةِ
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) told about the night he was taken on the Isra that he did not pass by any group of angels except that they ordered him: "Command your Ummah to do Hijama."
Reported by At-Tirmidhi (2052) and Ibn Majah. Imam At-Tirmidhi graded it hasan gharib, and Shaykh Al-Albani graded it sahih (Mishkat al-Masabih 4544).
2. The narration of Ibn Abbas (RA)
مَا مَرَرْتُ لَيْلَةَ أُسْرِيَ بِي بِمَلَإٍ مِنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ إِلَّا كُلُّهُمْ يَقُولُ لِي: عَلَيْكَ يَا مُحَمَّدُ بِالْحِجَامَةِ
"On the night I was taken on the Isra, I did not pass by any group of angels except that all of them said to me: O Muhammad, upon you is Hijama."
Reported by Ibn Majah (3477).
3. The narration of Anas ibn Malik (RA)
مَا مَرَرْتُ لَيْلَةَ أُسْرِيَ بِي بِمَلَإٍ إِلَّا قَالُوا: يَا مُحَمَّدُ مُرْ أُمَّتَكَ بِالْحِجَامَةِ
"On the night I was taken on the Isra, I did not pass by any group except that they said: O Muhammad, command your Ummah to do Hijama."
Reported by Ibn Majah (3479).
A note on authenticity: some of these individual chains are graded weak (da'if) on their own, including the Ibn Majah chains above. However, the meaning is supported by several companions, and the narration of Ibn Mas'ud (RA) is graded authentic by Al-Albani. The message itself is well established.
This matches another authentic hadith in Sahih Al-Bukhari (5696), where the Prophet (SAW) said that among the best remedies people use is Hijama.
Lessons for Muslims today
The angels' advice shows that caring for the body is part of the deen, not separate from it.
- A Sunnah honoured on a noble night. Hijama was mentioned on one of the most honoured nights in Islamic history, alongside the gift of Salah. That alone shows its place in the Sunnah.
- Repeated by every group of angels. The Prophet (SAW) described the same advice from each group he passed. Repetition in a message shows emphasis.
- A message for the whole Ummah. The words "command your Ummah" make Hijama a Sunnah for all believers, not only the Prophet (SAW).
- Among the best remedies. The Prophet (SAW) himself said that among the best remedies people use is Hijama (Sahih Al-Bukhari 5696).
- Body and soul together. On the night Salah was given to strengthen the soul, Hijama was recommended to care for the body. A strong believer looks after both.
As with all treatment, a Muslim takes the means Allah has provided, including Hijama and modern medicine, and puts their trust in Allah, the true Healer (Ash-Shafi).
Reviving the Sunnah safely at Almonan
Reviving Hijama means doing it the right way: clean, safe and by trained hands. At Almonan Hijama Cupping Therapy Ltd, every session follows these standards:
- Consultation first. We ask about your health history and any medication before treatment.
- Sterile, single-use equipment. Cups and blades are never reused.
- Trained therapists. Our team is trained in both dry and wet cupping.
- Clear aftercare. You leave knowing how to rest, hydrate and care for the treated area.
Hijama is a Sunnah that complements your doctor's care; it does not replace it. If you are pregnant, take blood thinners, or have a serious medical condition, speak with your doctor and let our therapists know before your session.
Want to learn Hijama yourself? Almonan also runs a 6-month Diploma in Cupping Therapy for those who wish to serve the Ummah through this Sunnah.
Conclusion
Al-Isra wal Mi'raj was a night of Salah, signs and honour, and on that night the angels repeatedly advised Hijama. Reviving this Sunnah today is a way of following advice given in the heavens, with sincerity, knowledge and care.
May Allah (SWT) grant us health in body and strength in faith. Wallahu A'lam.
Book your Hijama session with Almonan
- Website: www.almonan.com
- Email: info@almonan.com
- WhatsApp: +234 811 178 8749
- Social media: @almonanhijama
This article is for education and religious reflection. It is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified health professional about any medical condition.
References
- The Holy Quran, Surah Al-Isra 17:1 and Surah An-Najm 53:13-18
- Jami' At-Tirmidhi 2052
- Sunan Ibn Majah 3477 and 3479
- Mishkat al-Masabih 4544, with Al-Albani's grading
- Sahih Al-Bukhari 5696
Prepared by the Almonan Hijama Research Unit.
