Islam takes a holistic approach to health. Just as religious life is inseparable from secular life, physical, emotional and spiritual health cannot be separated; they are three parts that make a completely healthy person. Injury and illness can happen for many reasons, however, it is important to acknowledge and accept that nothing happens in this world except with the permission of God. There is no doubt that the words and verses of the Quran contain healing for humankind’s woes and ills. Allah says:
وَعِندَهُ مَفَاتِحُ الْغَيْبِ لَا يَعْلَمُهَا إِلَّا هُوَ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا فِي الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ وَمَا تَسْقُطُ مِن وَرَقَةٍ إِلَّا يَعْلَمُهَا وَلَا حَبَّةٍ فِي ظُلُمَاتِ الْأَرْضِ وَلَا رَطْبٍ وَلَا يَابِسٍ إِلَّا فِي كِتَابٍ مُّبِينٍ
“And with Him (are the) keys (of) the unseen, no (one) knows them except Him. And He knows what (is) in the land and in the sea. And not falls any leaf but He knows it. And not a grain in the darkness[es] (of) the earth and not moist and not dry but (is) in a Record Clear.” (Surah Al-An`am 6:59 )
The Quran can be used as a guide to those suffering from emotional distress and aims to lead people to a meaningful quality of life. When the heart is hurt and one is filled with sorrow, it is easy to become despondent and feel as if the whole world is against you. For anyone who has lost a loved one, gone through a divorce, had heartbroken in a relationship, or experienced any hurt at the hands of other people, you can understand the emptiness that takes over the heart. Allah says:
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَاءَتْكُم مَّوْعِظَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَشِفَاءٌ لِّمَا فِي الصُّدُورِ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ
“O mankind! There has come to you good advice from your Lord (i.e. the Quran) and a healing for that which is in your hearts.” (Surah Yunus 10:57)
Recitation and reflection on the words of Allah bring solace and healing. The Quran is healing for the body and the soul. If faith is strong and unwavering, the effect of spiritual remedies may be fast and efficient. But Allah in His majesty has sent down the Quran as a cure for every single thing that happens to a Muslim, even for matters of the heart. We should always ask Allah Almighty no matter what we are dealing with. He is the only One who can help us.
The Quran is a healer, you can find solace in the words of the Quran if Allah wills:
- Listening to the recitation of the Quran calms the heart
- Reciting the Quran reminds you of the words of Allah
- Salahis a great way to reduce stress and depression
- Patience helps us keep our mind and attitude
- Make a habit of seeking help from the Quran
- Being patient gives us control in situations
- Rely on Allah by constantly remembering
- Seek Forgiveness for Your Sins
- Seek Help Through Sabr
- Ask Allah Almighty (Dua)
- Remember Allah, Do Dhikr
- Quran is a healer of our heart
- Quran builds your emotional confidence
- Quran brings comfort and peace to the heart
- Quran is the best form of remembrance Allah
- Tawakkul Allah must be strong and rely upon
- Allah Alone is the owner and controller of all affairs
- Keep your tongue busy with the remembrance of Allah
- Quran provides prayers that provide emotional healing
- Remembering Allah comforts our heart and removes anxiety
As humans, we will all endure difficulties in life for this is the nature of the life of this world. Allah (SWT) has created us to test us, and some of those tests that we encounter may be extremely painful. There are many resources for us to turn to in these times of sadness, loss, hardship, and struggle such as family members, friends, imams, therapists, support groups, etc. But one essential resource is the Holy Quran itself. Allah says:
وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ مَا هُوَ شِفَاءٌ وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَلَا يَزِيدُ الظَّالِمِينَ إِلَّا خَسَارًا
“And We send down of the Quran that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe…” (Surah Al-Israa, 17:82)
God places trials and obstacles in our way. He tests our patience and gratitude and provides us with ways and means of overcoming obstacles. God is also merciful and just, so we can be sure that whatever trials we face God designed them to help us secure a place of eternal bliss.
“Quran is the best remedy for the illness of the soul.” (Bukhari)
Injury and ill-health are trials and tests that we must face with patience, forbearance and above all acceptance. In harsh circumstances, if we remind ourselves of this beautiful place, it will provide comfort to our hearts that will carry us through the pain towards a place of contentment. Allah says:
فَلَا تَعْلَمُ نَفْسٌ مَّا أُخْفِيَ لَهُم مِّن قُرَّةِ أَعْيُنٍ جَزَاءً بِمَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ
“And not knows a soul what is hidden for them of (the) comfort (for) the eyes (as) a reward for what they used (to) do.” (Surah As-Sajdah, 32:17)
Sins are a major factor in our unhappiness and therefore our depression. When we sin, we feel guilty that cause depression, stress, and anxiety. It is that depression that may actually lead us to repent to Allah or to spoil even more in sin. We should all push for the same common goal of love and humility in a place where people can live free from fear.
Allah Almighty says in The Holy Quran:
- “Seek help through Sabr and Salah.” (Quran 2:45)
- “And rely upon the Ever-Living who does not die.” (Quran, 25:58)
- “He will provide him from where he does not expect.” (Quran, 65:3)
- “And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah.” (Quran, 3:159)
- “That man can have nothing but what he strives for.” (an-Najm, 53:39)
- “When you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah.” (Quran 3: 159)
- “Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity.” (Quran 2:286)
- “If God touches thee with an affliction, no one can remove it but He.” (Surat Al-‘An`am: 6:17)
- “O you who believe! Resort to patience and prayer; surely, Allah is with the patient.” (Quran, 2:153)
- “And whoever turns away from My remembrance to him there will be a difficult life.” (Quran, 20:124)
- “We have sent down in the Quran that which is healing and a mercy to those who believe.” (Surat Al-Isra: 17:82)
A little depression and anxiety is normal part of life that can be cured with prayer and positive thinking. For those of us who experience abnormal and unhealthy levels of depression and anxiety, there is hope in Islam to overcome these disabling symptoms. If we are feeling depressed, we should strengthen our belief in Allah and should recite the supplication for depression and worries. Allah says:
وَإِذَا حُيِّيتُم بِتَحِيَّةٍ فَحَيُّوا بِأَحْسَنَ مِنْهَا أَوْ رُدُّوهَا إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ حَسِيبًا
“And when you are greeted with a greeting, then greet with better than it or return it. Indeed, Allah is of everything an Accountant.” (Surah An-Nisa` 4:86)
No book on this earth other than the Quran provides such comprehensive proofs and testimonies in relation to exalted matters of monotheism, confirmation of Allah’s attributes, the Day of Judgment, Prophethood and refutation of incongruous doctrines and degenerate opinions. Although the Quran offers a genuine cure for the evils of suspicions and doubts, its benefit depends to a large extent on comprehending its essence and purpose. Allah says:
الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ
“Those who believe, and whose hearts find peace in the remembrance of Allah: for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find peace.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:28)
The Quran also eliminates spiritual diseases that corrupt our intentions and prompt us towards ill deeds; hence the heart heals and returns to its normal nature, where its facultative and self-acquired deeds excel. The Quran is, in other words, the perfect medicine, that doesn’t have an expiry date and that which can cure the biggest illnesses. So embrace the Quran as a healer of your heart and watch it make miracles in your life!
