Psychological Benefits of the Qu'ran
Quran – Glory and Happiness for
the Ummah
Praise be to Allah Who Revealed His Noble Book in the best style and Impressed hearts with its good wording and eloquent compositions. He Revealed it in the form of clear verses, segmented it into Surahs and verses, Arranged it in the best way with His Extensive Wisdom and Composed it in the greatest way with the most eloquent words and sublime structure. Blessings and peace be upon the Prophet to whom the Quran was revealed to warn and remind. Allaah Revealed the Quran to his noble heart and this alleviated his hardship and expanded his breast. Also, blessings and peace be on the Prophet’s family and Companions from among the Muhaajiroon and the Ansaar.
Despite technical advancement, the prosperity of industries and inventions and the new world order, the world today is failing with all its organizations, institutions and innovations to bring happiness to humankind or provide it with security and comfort. Here are the ratios of the disease of the age; anxiety and depression, increasing day after day. Here are also the ratios of poverty, ignorance, hunger, killing, suicide as well as the collapse of values, principles and morals multiplying year after year.
Villa Spaza, a Spanish scientist, said, "All the amazing discoveries of the West are neither able to prevent even one tear nor to make even one human smile...”
Alexis Carrel said, "Modern civilization does not suit us …. Although it was established through our contributions, it does not suit us. We are indeed unhappy people because we have morally and mentally deteriorated.”
The same applies to some of those who are called Muslims. They have their wealth, positions and dreams, though they live in worries, anxiety and pain. What is the solution? What is the refuge? It is the Quran!
The Quran is the source of glory and happiness for the Ummah, the basis of knowledge, action and tranquility, and the spring of steadfastness at the time of conflicting ideas and changing concepts. It is the fortified dam in facing temptations, allegations and desires.
At such a time, all of us need the Quran to strengthen our faith and certainty so that we keep steadfast before such desires and challenges.
Each Muslim needs the Quran to reassure him when he feels alienated, soothe him when he is afflicted with a disaster, create hope in him when he is distressed or suffers from despair of the Mercy of Allaah and warn and frighten him when he is overcome with fancies and lusts.
O Muslims, nation of the Quran, there is neither steadfastness, nor affection for the self, nor relief for the soul, nor fulfillment of a promise nor security from a punishment nor firmness of belief nor continuity of one’s good mention unless one moves with all his feelings, sentiments, heart and body to the Book of Allaah, the Noble Quran through recitation, reflection, learning and acting accordingly.
This key actually opens the locks of the heart. The Quran is the key of the hearts. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Then do they not reflect upon the Quran, or are there locks upon [their] hearts?} [Quran 47: 24]
O Muslim, you should read the Quran with your heart first before your tongue to find:
Purity of meanings which quench your thirst from the water of eloquence, gentleness where you smell the breeze of the garden as well as words when they are strict, they are like waves of the overflowing seas and when they are lenient, they are the breaths of the life to come.
The Quran is the source of lighting the heart as well as life and remedy for souls. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {O mankind, there has to come to you instruction from your Lord and healing for what is in the breasts and guidance and mercy for the believers. Say, "In the Bounty of Allaah and in His Mercy - in that let them rejoice; it is better than what they accumulate.”}
[Quran 10: 57-58]
The Quran achieves happiness for the human, spreads security and tranquility and provides glory, prosperity and safety. All this is achieved through the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet who said: “I have left among you two things you will never go astray as long as you hold fast to them: the Book of Allaah and my Sunnah.” [Al-Albaani: Hasan]
Spiritual Exercise
Sad moments and misery are among major causes of burnout.
Fortunately, Islam holds the answers to every worldly problem. Spiritual exercise is always the best way for a productive Muslim to fight any unpleasant state of mind and body, including burnout. The essential factor is an optimistic view of the self and the world. This is necessary to release us from such a state of burnout and any stressful situation.
Remember that the Prophet (Peace and blessings upon Him) related that Allah (Subhanahu wa’tala) said, ”I am with my slave’s thoughts about Me, so let him think of Me as he chooses.” The hadith emphasizes the importance of positive thinking in life.
The nature of this worldly life makes it impossible for human beings not to be intruded with some kind of adversity. This is a part of life. Realizing that any unpleasant moments or hardship strengthens our hearts, atones for our sins and helps to suppress an inclination towards pride and haughtiness will relieve our mind.
Furthermore, there are numerous scientific findings on the relationship between mental health and religion. Thayer, Newman, and McClain (1994) found that religiosity and spiritual strategies were particularly effective for reducing burnout, nervousness, tension and anxiety. Moreover, it loaded on a pleasant distraction factor which was found to be the most effective strategy for mood change.
If you sense that you suffer from burnout, first of all, stop insisting of yourself to keep going. Start listening to your body, and it will tell you what it needs. Take on some of the strategies mentioned above and keep the faith that Allah (Subhanahu wa’tala) is the best disposer of all human affairs.
The Quran's Self Clinical Psychological Treatment
Allah says ''We send down (stage by stage) in the Quran that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe: to the unjust it causes nothing but loss after loss''.
A number of psychologists conducted a series of scientific studies to benefit from the Quran in treating various psychological ailments such as anxiety, fear, obsession, ect…The results in 80% of the cases surpassed other psychological treatments which were based on methods introduced by strange schools and theories of different psychologists. These studies stressed the strength of the religious side in the one who abides by the Quran where many people resort to it in moments of stress and psychological pain.
It has been proven that the most beneficial and effective psychological treatments are the ones related to religion, culture, and environment. During the practice of clinical psychology, a group of scientists noticed that some patients were able to cure themselves through deep and submissive reading of the Quran and its meanings. They often succeed in lowering their fear and overcoming their anxieties and worries that dominated their minds. Thus, it is of great help to medical treatment and other means of cure.
This has encouraged the use of the Quran in treatment, whether for worshipping or incantation, using creative scientific means. This is based on what some verses call for, along a self clinical practical method, using trial and scientific analogy for Quranic treatment. Such method can be practiced by the patient himself after being explained and trained by the treating physician, or when the person uses it by himself.
Using religion in psychological treatment existed a long time ago in the West. The priest was the one to whom the patient told his pains and worries in order to purify himself from guilt feelings and relieve his psychological struggle. Unfortunately, today people do not go to the man of religion or chaplain unless they are about to die. This makes us responsible for creating and developing methods of psychological treatment derived from our glorious religion which is enriched with guidelines on how to deal with human psychology. In addition, it provides means of rectifying weaknesses and ailments through increasing one's faith which, in turn, prevents evil misfortune.
Psychological ailment is a two-face coin; one is a morally psychological, while the other is a bodily biological one. Thus, treatment needs to be a comprehensive one which cures psychological pain through discussion, and also reform thought and behavior. In addition, the dysfunction of body should be cured with medication. This indicates the importance of combining between medicated and spiritual treatments in a thorough, homogenous, and complementarily cures.
References :
Thayer, R. E., Newman, J. R., & McClain, T. M. (1994). Self-regulation of mood: Strategies for changing a bad mood, raising energy, and reducing tension. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 67, 910–925.
Praise be to Allah Who Revealed His Noble Book in the best style and Impressed hearts with its good wording and eloquent compositions. He Revealed it in the form of clear verses, segmented it into Surahs and verses, Arranged it in the best way with His Extensive Wisdom and Composed it in the greatest way with the most eloquent words and sublime structure. Blessings and peace be upon the Prophet to whom the Quran was revealed to warn and remind. Allaah Revealed the Quran to his noble heart and this alleviated his hardship and expanded his breast. Also, blessings and peace be on the Prophet’s family and Companions from among the Muhaajiroon and the Ansaar.
Despite technical advancement, the prosperity of industries and inventions and the new world order, the world today is failing with all its organizations, institutions and innovations to bring happiness to humankind or provide it with security and comfort. Here are the ratios of the disease of the age; anxiety and depression, increasing day after day. Here are also the ratios of poverty, ignorance, hunger, killing, suicide as well as the collapse of values, principles and morals multiplying year after year.
Villa Spaza, a Spanish scientist, said, "All the amazing discoveries of the West are neither able to prevent even one tear nor to make even one human smile...”
Alexis Carrel said, "Modern civilization does not suit us …. Although it was established through our contributions, it does not suit us. We are indeed unhappy people because we have morally and mentally deteriorated.”
The same applies to some of those who are called Muslims. They have their wealth, positions and dreams, though they live in worries, anxiety and pain. What is the solution? What is the refuge? It is the Quran!
The Quran is the source of glory and happiness for the Ummah, the basis of knowledge, action and tranquility, and the spring of steadfastness at the time of conflicting ideas and changing concepts. It is the fortified dam in facing temptations, allegations and desires.
At such a time, all of us need the Quran to strengthen our faith and certainty so that we keep steadfast before such desires and challenges.
Each Muslim needs the Quran to reassure him when he feels alienated, soothe him when he is afflicted with a disaster, create hope in him when he is distressed or suffers from despair of the Mercy of Allaah and warn and frighten him when he is overcome with fancies and lusts.
O Muslims, nation of the Quran, there is neither steadfastness, nor affection for the self, nor relief for the soul, nor fulfillment of a promise nor security from a punishment nor firmness of belief nor continuity of one’s good mention unless one moves with all his feelings, sentiments, heart and body to the Book of Allaah, the Noble Quran through recitation, reflection, learning and acting accordingly.
This key actually opens the locks of the heart. The Quran is the key of the hearts. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Then do they not reflect upon the Quran, or are there locks upon [their] hearts?} [Quran 47: 24]
O Muslim, you should read the Quran with your heart first before your tongue to find:
Purity of meanings which quench your thirst from the water of eloquence, gentleness where you smell the breeze of the garden as well as words when they are strict, they are like waves of the overflowing seas and when they are lenient, they are the breaths of the life to come.
The Quran is the source of lighting the heart as well as life and remedy for souls. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {O mankind, there has to come to you instruction from your Lord and healing for what is in the breasts and guidance and mercy for the believers. Say, "In the Bounty of Allaah and in His Mercy - in that let them rejoice; it is better than what they accumulate.”}
[Quran 10: 57-58]
The Quran achieves happiness for the human, spreads security and tranquility and provides glory, prosperity and safety. All this is achieved through the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet who said: “I have left among you two things you will never go astray as long as you hold fast to them: the Book of Allaah and my Sunnah.” [Al-Albaani: Hasan]
Spiritual Exercise
Sad moments and misery are among major causes of burnout.
Fortunately, Islam holds the answers to every worldly problem. Spiritual exercise is always the best way for a productive Muslim to fight any unpleasant state of mind and body, including burnout. The essential factor is an optimistic view of the self and the world. This is necessary to release us from such a state of burnout and any stressful situation.
Remember that the Prophet (Peace and blessings upon Him) related that Allah (Subhanahu wa’tala) said, ”I am with my slave’s thoughts about Me, so let him think of Me as he chooses.” The hadith emphasizes the importance of positive thinking in life.
The nature of this worldly life makes it impossible for human beings not to be intruded with some kind of adversity. This is a part of life. Realizing that any unpleasant moments or hardship strengthens our hearts, atones for our sins and helps to suppress an inclination towards pride and haughtiness will relieve our mind.
Furthermore, there are numerous scientific findings on the relationship between mental health and religion. Thayer, Newman, and McClain (1994) found that religiosity and spiritual strategies were particularly effective for reducing burnout, nervousness, tension and anxiety. Moreover, it loaded on a pleasant distraction factor which was found to be the most effective strategy for mood change.
If you sense that you suffer from burnout, first of all, stop insisting of yourself to keep going. Start listening to your body, and it will tell you what it needs. Take on some of the strategies mentioned above and keep the faith that Allah (Subhanahu wa’tala) is the best disposer of all human affairs.
The Quran's Self Clinical Psychological Treatment
Allah says ''We send down (stage by stage) in the Quran that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe: to the unjust it causes nothing but loss after loss''.
A number of psychologists conducted a series of scientific studies to benefit from the Quran in treating various psychological ailments such as anxiety, fear, obsession, ect…The results in 80% of the cases surpassed other psychological treatments which were based on methods introduced by strange schools and theories of different psychologists. These studies stressed the strength of the religious side in the one who abides by the Quran where many people resort to it in moments of stress and psychological pain.
It has been proven that the most beneficial and effective psychological treatments are the ones related to religion, culture, and environment. During the practice of clinical psychology, a group of scientists noticed that some patients were able to cure themselves through deep and submissive reading of the Quran and its meanings. They often succeed in lowering their fear and overcoming their anxieties and worries that dominated their minds. Thus, it is of great help to medical treatment and other means of cure.
This has encouraged the use of the Quran in treatment, whether for worshipping or incantation, using creative scientific means. This is based on what some verses call for, along a self clinical practical method, using trial and scientific analogy for Quranic treatment. Such method can be practiced by the patient himself after being explained and trained by the treating physician, or when the person uses it by himself.
Using religion in psychological treatment existed a long time ago in the West. The priest was the one to whom the patient told his pains and worries in order to purify himself from guilt feelings and relieve his psychological struggle. Unfortunately, today people do not go to the man of religion or chaplain unless they are about to die. This makes us responsible for creating and developing methods of psychological treatment derived from our glorious religion which is enriched with guidelines on how to deal with human psychology. In addition, it provides means of rectifying weaknesses and ailments through increasing one's faith which, in turn, prevents evil misfortune.
Psychological ailment is a two-face coin; one is a morally psychological, while the other is a bodily biological one. Thus, treatment needs to be a comprehensive one which cures psychological pain through discussion, and also reform thought and behavior. In addition, the dysfunction of body should be cured with medication. This indicates the importance of combining between medicated and spiritual treatments in a thorough, homogenous, and complementarily cures.
References :
Thayer, R. E., Newman, J. R., & McClain, T. M. (1994). Self-regulation of mood: Strategies for changing a bad mood, raising energy, and reducing tension. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 67, 910–925.