Speaking of science, there are actually many studies on the effects of scripture reading on health. From several published studies, there is evidence that listening to the Quran helps reduce depression and stress (Mohammadi Laeini et al. 2009). The voice of reciting the Quran has a positive effect on the stress and anxiety of patients in the hospital, especially in the ICU (Khatoni 1997).
The influence of the Quran on anxiety reduction was also found in a study published in the Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research in 2018 stating that it can be a cure for non-pharmacological anxiety disorders and improve sleep quality.
There was another study in 2012 from Universiti Teknologi MARA Malaysia. This study attempts to compare the effectiveness of classical music and the Quran on brain waves using an Electroencephalogram (EEG). A total of 28 participants participated in this experiment.
Participants then listened to Yasin and Pachelbel's Canon D. As a result, when Quranic verses were played, there was an increase in brain waves of up to 12.67 percent. Meanwhile, when participants listened to classical music, the increase only reached 9.96 percent. This shows that the Quran can make the brain respond better.
Meanwhile, there are several studies that try to observe the effects of listening to the Quran by accelerating the healing of patients from mild to severe examples to help improve the conscious function of patients and the respiratory function of those who are on ventilators.
The International Journal of Scientific Study in 2017 submitted the opinion that listening to the Quran can improve heart and lung health from the observation of comatose patients in Iran. His research still needs to be further investigated, but has been shown to affect the stability of blood pressure, heart rate, blood flow and respiration.
A study entitled ‘The Effect of Listening to Al-Quran Recitation on Weaning Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation in the Intensive Care Unit: A Pilot Study’ published in the Journal of Religion and Health in 2019 can also be discussed.
This was a randomized monitored trial in which 55 patients were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Patients were divided into experimental (case) group and control group only. In the experimental group, patients listened to the recitation of the Quran for 30 minutes, while in the control group, patients were given rest for 30 minutes.
Preliminary findings from this pilot study indicated that there were no negative effects of HQR on patients, and no significant differences between the two. Therefore, studies on the effects of listening to the murottal Qur’an on health are still very interesting to study.
Irwansyah's mother, Herlianah, now died as a result of COVID-19 and fell into a coma and regained consciousness. However, Irwansyah and Zaskia Sungkar and their families must be willing to let go of their mother. May the deceased be placed in the most beautiful place by his side and the family be given strength.
