Quran as a Means of Treating Illness (Part 4 of 5)
* Part 4: Experimental observations on maintaining circadian rhythms, scientific basis of neuronal oscillations, benefits for memory and emotion
Quran Rhythm as a Means of Maintaining Circadian Rhythms and Productivity
To understand the nature of rhythm in the Quran, Nakhavali and Seyedi (2013) analyzed word choice and order, sounds, visuals, and emphasis used. These features of the Quran from the mathematical, scientific, and literary perspectives have been studied by researchers for almost two decades. They explain that the rhythm used in the Quran, being the word of Allah, the Exalted, is unique and not found in any Arabic literature. Further, the Arabic alphabet has light and heavy letters, and the intensity of the letter also adds to its meaning.
Noor and Mohd (2018) describe the importance of maintaining a normal circadian rhythm, in light of the Quran, to achieve optimal productivity. The Quran and hadith (sayings and acts of the Prophet Muhammad, صلى الله عليه وسلم) mention numerous instances of the importance of the day and night cycle. Oscillations of the day and night are regarded as a mercy from Allah, the Exalted. Due consideration to the day and night schedules and circadian rhythm restores physiological and behavioral parameters, through the interplay of clock genes and transcription and translation feedback loops, synchronizing our body to the external environment. This aspect may curtail the surge in chronic diseases including hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, which may be a direct consequence of attenuation of the circadian rhythmicity due to a change in the human lifestyle.
Researchers further describe the combined function of the circadian clocks, the master clock of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and the peripheral clocks of the lungs, heart, liver, and adipose tissue. The physiological functions controlled by these clocks include heart rate, hormonal levels, temperature regulation, metabolism, and blood pressure (Noor & Mohd, 2018).
Circadian rhythms also dictate energy levels during the day. Authors indicate certain Islamic practices such as afternoon nap (“qailullah” in Arabic) as a means to recuperate from the afternoon dip in energy levels. Other practices such as the sleeping manners of the Prophet Muhammad, صلى الله عليه وسلم, promote a healthy circadian rhythm. These practices include turning off lights, recitation of supplications, early bedtime, early awakening, and getting enough sleep (Noor & Mohd, 2018).
Quran and the Scientific Basis of Neuronal Oscillations
The effectiveness of Quranic recitation in the restoration of the circadian rhythm was also explored by Faruque and team (2012), as they were inspired by the verse 4 of chapter 73 of the Quran (Surah al Muzzammil — The Enwrapped One):
They explored the neuronal mechanism behind the calming effect of rhythmic recitation. Previous studies have explored the relaxing effect of “salah” or Muslim congregational prayer to relieve mental stress using electroencephalography (EEG) and multimedia systems. Other studies have observed improved physiologic states, treatment of pediatric neurologic illnesses, and recovery from psychological illnesses (Faruque et al., 2012).
Their present study focused on exploring the scientific basis of neuronal oscillation, entrainment efficiency, with beneficial effects on memory and emotions. Their study identified the relaxing effect of the Quran in the temporal and frontal regions involved in emotion processing, and fMRI findings indicated the activation of the hippocampus, amygdala, and parahippocampus in the brain. The effect of the rhythm was identified in the delta and theta brainwaves. Researchers also indicated that the emotional processing induced by the rhythmic recitation was the underlying mechanism for entrainment of neuronal oscillation, which led to memory processing (Faruque et al., 2012).
(Allah, the Exalted Knows Best)
References
Faruque, M., Co, R., Dr, R., & Mustapha, M. (2012). Is Brain Rhythm and Quran Rhythm Harmonic? http://www.crichs.usm.my/images/downloads/2013/ResearchEnrichmentSeminar2/DrFaruqueReza-IsBrainRhythmandQuranRhythmHarmonic.pdf
Nakhavali, F., & Seyedi, S. H. (2013). (PDF) A Research on “Rhythm & Music” in the Qur’an. ResearchGate, 5(3). https://doi.org/10.5296/ijl.v5i3.3898
Noor, K. M. K. M., & Mohd, R. A. (2018). Circadian Rhythmicity and Health: the Islamic Perspective. Proceedings of the 6th International Prophetic Heritage Conference (SWAN 2018).
