to have unhealthy blood removed. Does following his example, then, apply specifically to cupping, or is the aim to remove blood in a beneficial manner? It is well known that following his example is what is prescribed. Thus, in a hot country, where blood moves towards the skin, cupping is beneficial; whereas in a cold country, where blood recedes into the veins, removing it by opening a vein is beneficial.

Likewise, when he applied oil, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was the purpose specifically to apply oil, or was it to groom his hair? If a country has a humid climate and its people bathe in hot water that makes oil unnecessary, while oil harms their hair and skin, then what is prescribed for them is to groom their hair in whatever manner is best for them. It is well known that the second interpretation is more fitting.

Similarly, he used to eat fresh dates, dried dates, barley bread, and other staple foods of his country. Does following his example mean deliberately choosing fresh dates, dried dates, and barley specifically, so that even those living in lands where dates do not grow and barley is not a staple should do so, although their staples are wheat, rice, or other foods? It is well known that the second approach is what is prescribed.

The evidence for this is that when the Companions conquered the various lands, each of them ate the staple foods and wore the clothing of his own country, without deliberately seeking out the foods and clothing of Medina. Had this latter course been better for them, they would have been foremost in choosing what was better.