is repeated, whereas fasting is not repeated, and similar considerations mentioned by the jurists. Moreover, when a believer is told, “This is the ruling of Allah,” he submits. This is the wisdom behind the saying of Allah, Most High:

“It is not for a believing man or a believing woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decided a matter, to have any choice in their affair.” [al-Ahzab: 36]

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, said (1): The fact that cupping breaks the fast has a wisdom. As for the person being cupped, the wisdom is that when this blood is drawn from him, his body becomes weak and requires nourishment to restore his strength. If he were to remain in this weakened state until the end of the day, it might adversely affect his health later on. Thus, it is wise that his fast be invalidated. Accordingly, cupping is not permissible for one observing an obligatory fast except in a case of necessity. If necessity permits it, then he may break his fast; and if he may break his fast, then he may eat. At that point, we say: Have yourself cupped, and eat and drink so that your strength may return and you may be safe from the illness that may be expected as a result of this weakness.

If, however, the fast is voluntary, then there is no harm in cupping, because one observing a voluntary fast may discontinue his fast without an excuse—though doing so without a valid purpose is disliked.

As for the wisdom with regard to the person performing the cupping, Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, says: The cupper usually sucks the cupping vessel, and when he sucks it, blood rises to his mouth. Perhaps, because of the force of the suction, some blood may pass into his stomach without his realizing it. This amounts to drinking blood and thus breaks his fast. He says: This is what ordinarily occurs, and exceptional cases are not taken into consideration.