Is it permissible for a young man to perform cupping (hijama) on non-mahram women, even if he is urged to do so by their relatives?

Cupping (hijama) is beneficial and encouraged in Islamic law. The Prophet (peace be upon him) and Umm Salamah both underwent cupping. The general rule is for a man to perform cupping on a man, and a woman on a woman.

If no woman is available to perform cupping on a woman, a man may do so under certain conditions: 1. There is a need or necessity for treatment. 2. There is no khalwah (private seclusion), meaning a mahram or another woman is present to prevent temptation. 3. Only the area to be cupped is uncovered. 4. The cupper does not directly touch the woman’s body (he wears gloves). 5. A Muslim cupper is preferred over a non-Muslim, and a pre-pubescent over an adult. 6. The cupper must be trustworthy and reliable. 7. The cupper must be secure from temptation, both for himself and from the women.

Ibn Hibban dedicated a chapter on the hadith of Umm Salamah concerning the permissibility of a man performing cupping on a woman when necessary. Jurists such as Al-Shirbini and Al-Uthaymin have mentioned similar conditions for the permissibility of a man examining a woman for treatment, and for prioritizing a female doctor (even if Christian) over a male doctor if temptation is averted.