• Studies have revealed a significant rise in anxiety among the youth globally. Studies prove how listening to the Qur’an alleviates anxiety and improves mental health.
• Listening to the Qur’an has been shown to promote calm and focus, and even reduces childbirth labour time during the recitation of Surah Ar-Rahman.
A meta-analysis of 29 studies, covering data from 80,879 participants, published in JAMA Pediatrics uncovered a troubling reality: 20.5% of youth around the world are now grappling with anxiety symptoms. Such statistics shine a spotlight on the growing mental health crisis among young people.
JAMA Network also assessed trends from 2017 to 2021, revealing significant increases in clinically diagnosed depression among individuals aged 5 to 22. Furthermore, Research in Mental Health Epidemiology estimated that 4.05% of the global population, approximately 301 million people, had an anxiety disorder, with cases increasing by over 55% from 1990 to 2019.
Listening to the Quran transforms brain physiology, influencing both neural pathways and emotional regulation
Allah informs us that the Qur’an was sent as a source of healing:
“And We send down from the Qur’an that which is a healing (shifa’) and a mercy to the believers, but it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss.” (وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ ٱلْقُرْءَانِ مَا هُوَ شِفَآءٌۭ وَرَحْمَةٌۭ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ۙ وَلَا يَزِيدُ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ إِلَّا خَسَارًۭا) Surah Al-Isra (17:82)
Listening to the holy Qur’an reduces anxiety
In the journal, The Effect of Listening to Holy Quran Recitation on Anxiety: A Systematic Review, 26 studies on the effects of listening to the Qur’an were assessed. All the included studies were published between 1997 and 2017, and the total number of participants was 2,108, with a range of 24–180 per study. 25 studies deduced that listening to the Qur’an reduced levels of anxiety. One study produced results which were inconclusive. A study performed by Ghorbani et al. demonstrated that listening to the holy Qur’an significantly reduced the anxiety levels of students about to take examinations, more so than listening to Music. Research conducted in Tehran University showed that listening to the Holy Quran stabilised vital signs and increased the arterial oxygen pressure of unconscious patients in ICUs.
A separate study conducted in Indonesia showed that listening to Surah Ar-Rahman during childbirth not only lowered cortisol levels but also reduced the duration of the first stage of labour by 20%. It’s important to note that the study had a small sample size, and the authors have called for further research with a larger participant group to provide more recommendations— this would be particularly helpful in confirming the reduction in labour time when listening to Surah Ar-Rahman during childbirth.
Listening to the holy Qur’an Increases the brain’s Alpha waves
Alpha waves are linked to brain states of calm and focused concentration, often associated with entering the “flow” state. This mental state enhances clarity, allowing individuals to perform tasks with heightened efficiency and ease.
Recent studies have examined the generation of alpha waves in the brain whilst listening to Quran recitation, with some research comparing it to the effects of listening to classical music. Findings suggest that Quran recitation produces greater alpha wave activity.
The divine healing properties of the Holy Qur’an have been acknowledged for centuries, not only in scientific studies but also through a vast amount of anecdotal testimonies globally and practices such as ruqyah, used to heal ailments such as black magic. The Qur’an’s strong transformative power has been recognised across cultures, its spiritual, emotional, and physical benefits continue to resonate globally.
The Qur’an continues to have an enduring effect on the well-being of human beings
While Muslims do not rely on emerging scientific research to validate their faith as science is ever changing, it is intriguing to see how science is gradually aligning with Islamic teachings. This growing convergence highlights the timeless wisdom of Islam and Islam’s superiority over all other ways of life.
Reciting and listening to the Quran is a necessity, especially in a world plagued by the carnage of modernity. In the face of such turmoil, it is vital to remember that it is Allah, our Creator, speaking directly to us and to our souls. His words provide guidance, peace, and solace amidst the chaos, offering a profound connection to the divine that transcends the challenges of today’s world.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“And be not like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves. It is they who are the defiantly disobedient.” Surah Al-Hashr (59:19)
The healing properties of the Qur’an are evident even for those who do not understand Arabic, affirming its miraculous nature. However, a deeper connection and understanding are attained when we engage in tadabbur—contemplating and reflecting on its verses.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
This is a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded.” Surah Sad (38:29)
