In recent years, ruqyah, the Islamic practice of using Quranic verses and supplications for spiritual healing, has gained significant attention as a holistic treatment for various physical and psychological ailments. While ruqyah has been traditionally seen as a spiritual remedy, a study published in the International Journal of Islamic Medicine examined its physical effects, particularly on individuals suffering from chronic pain. The research sheds light on the potential benefits of ruqyah in managing long-term pain and provides compelling evidence of its effectiveness as a complementary therapeutic option.
In this blog post, we will explore the findings of this study and delve into how ruqyah can be an effective tool for those suffering from chronic pain, providing relief, comfort, and a renewed sense of well-being.
WHAT IS CHRONIC PAIN
Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for more than three to six months, often beyond the normal healing time of an injury or illness. This type of pain can be caused by various factors, including nerve damage, arthritis, musculoskeletal conditions, fibromyalgia, and inflammatory diseases. Chronic pain often leads to emotional distress, depression, anxiety, and reduced quality of life, as individuals struggle to manage the constant discomfort.
Traditional treatments for chronic pain usually include medication, physical therapy, surgical interventions, and alternative therapies like acupuncture or massage therapy. However, many patients seek additional methods of relief, especially those who are looking for natural, non-invasive, or spiritual approaches. This is where ruqyah comes into play.
RUQYAH AND CHRONIC PAIN RELIEF
A 2018 study published in the International Journal of Islamic Medicine investigated the physical effects of ruqyah on patients suffering from chronic pain. The study involved a group of individuals who had been diagnosed with long-term pain conditions that had not responded effectively to conventional medical treatments. The patients were exposed to ruqyah sessions that consisted of recitations of Quranic verses, such as Surah Al-Fatiha, Surah Al-Baqarah, and other verses known for their healing properties.
The study aimed to assess how the recitation of these verses could impact the intensity, duration, and psychological burden of chronic pain. The researchers measured pain levels using standard pain scales before and after the sessions, and they also assessed the psychological and emotional responses of the participants. The results were striking and provided a new perspective on the power of spiritual healing in addressing physical ailments.
KEY FINDINGS FROM THE STUDY
The study revealed several important insights into the effects of ruqyah on chronic pain patients:
1. Reduction in Pain Intensity: The most notable finding of the study was the significant reduction in the intensity of pain experienced by the patients. Participants who underwent ruqyah reported a decrease in pain levels, with many patients experiencing a reduction of up to 50% in pain intensity. This was particularly remarkable considering that many of the participants had previously been unable to find lasting relief from other medical treatments.
2. Improved Emotional Well-being: Chronic pain is often associated with emotional symptoms, such as depression and anxiety. The study found that patients who received ruqyah healing experienced improved emotional well-being. Many reported feeling a sense of calm, peace, and comfort after the sessions, which contributed to a better overall mental state. The ability of ruqyah to address both the physical and emotional aspects of pain is one of the reasons why it is becoming increasingly popular as a holistic healing practice.
3. Increased Mobility and Function: One of the most challenging aspects of chronic pain is its impact on daily functioning. Many individuals with long-term pain experience difficulty moving, performing basic tasks, and maintaining an active lifestyle. The study revealed that patients who received ruqyah sessions experienced improvements in mobility and function, with some reporting better ability to perform everyday activities without the constant limitation of pain.
4. Improved Sleep Quality: Sleep disturbances are a common complaint among individuals with chronic pain, as pain can interfere with the ability to fall asleep or stay asleep. The study found that participants who engaged in ruqyah healing reported an improvement in sleep quality. With pain levels reduced and emotional stress alleviated, many patients experienced better, more restful sleep, leading to enhanced physical and mental recovery.
5. Spiritual Healing and Pain Relief: The study also highlighted the importance of the spiritual aspect of ruqyah in promoting healing. The Quranic recitations used in ruqyah sessions are believed to possess inherent spiritual power that can address not only the physical body but also the soul. For many patients, the act of listening to or participating in ruqyah recitations provided a deep sense of comfort, a feeling of being protected, and the belief that they were receiving divine assistance in overcoming their suffering.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND RUQYAH’S EFFECTIVENESS
While ruqyah is traditionally seen as a spiritual practice, scientific research into its effects has shed light on the potential physiological mechanisms that might explain its healing power. The 2018 study published in the International Journal of Islamic Medicine provides valuable insight into how ruqyah can influence the body’s response to chronic pain.
1. Activation of the Relaxation Response: The recitation of Quranic verses during ruqyah induces a state of deep relaxation in the listener. This is similar to the effects of mindfulness meditation and deep breathing techniques, which have been shown to reduce stress and pain perception. The relaxation response lowers stress hormones like cortisol, which can exacerbate pain, and promotes a state of calm that allows the body to heal more effectively.
2. Neurobiological Effects: Quranic recitation may also influence the brain’s neuroplasticity, or its ability to change and adapt over time. By listening to soothing Quranic verses, individuals may rewire their brain’s responses to pain, reducing pain sensitivity and enhancing emotional regulation. This process of neural adaptation may explain the improvements in pain levels and emotional well-being observed in the study participants.
3. Placebo and Faith Healing: The placebo effect suggests that a person’s belief in a treatment’s efficacy can lead to real, measurable changes in their health. Ruqyah relies heavily on faith and the belief that the Quranic recitations have the power to heal. For many individuals, the act of placing trust in a spiritual healing practice can be powerful enough to produce tangible results, including pain relief.
FUTURE OF RUQYAH IN PAIN MANAGEMENT
The findings from the 2018 study offer compelling evidence that ruqyah is not only a spiritual practice but also a powerful tool for physical healing. For those suffering from chronic pain, ruqyah provides a holistic approach that addresses both the body and mind, promoting healing on multiple levels.
While ruqyah should not be viewed as a replacement for traditional medical treatments, it can certainly serve as an effective complementary therapy for those looking to manage chronic pain in a natural, non-invasive manner. The combination of faith, spiritual practice, and scientific research opens new possibilities for those seeking long-term pain relief and improved quality of life.
For anyone interested in exploring ruqyah as part of their pain management journey, it is recommended to consult a qualified practitioner who can guide them through the process. Whether you are dealing with chronic pain, emotional stress, or simply seeking spiritual peace, ruqyah offers a path toward healing that is both profound and effective.
