The Spiritual Prescriptions

Which surah’s reading is recommended for healing? Which surah’s reading is recommended for tackling depression? How is this different from Abracadabra and incantations? How do you make sense of this in the age of medical advances never seen before?

“People, your Lord’s teachings have come to you; they’re a healing balm for the diseases of the heart, guidance and helpful tips for the believers. Say, “Its Allah’s grace and kindness, so celebrate since its better than all the wealth they accumulate” (Yunus: 57-58).

This verse describes how the Quran; firstly preaches effectively and impactfully, it touches the heart and mind, moves the emotions and the intellect. Secondly, it is a healing balm that rids the reader of moral sicknesses like arrogance, anger, jealousy and greed. Thirdly, it is guidance that differentiates between truth and falsehood pointing to the straight path. Fourthly, it is Divine grace that is massively beneficial.

The mind-body connection

Medical research shows that physical illnesses of all types are worsened by psychological factors. So, hatred, dislike of others, broken relationships, jealousy and anger can prolong an illness by impairing the body’s immune system. On the other hand, the Quran’s teachings of kindness, generosity, patience and forgiveness promote health and wellbeing. So, the Quran is the soothing balm, the healer of ignorance and hatred. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “there are two healers, one is the Quran and the other is honey” (Ahmad).

If you have a medical condition you seek medical treatment, the Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “there is no illness that doesn’t have a cure.” Today medical science is very advanced and capable of curing many fatal diseases, Alhamdulillah! 

So, how do I use the Quran’s healing power? I suggest you use The Majestic Quran to connect with your Lord the ‘Shafie’ the absolute Healer, the cause of all medicines. We have a prayer “O mighty Healer, heal our illness.” Here I have gathered some spiritual prescriptions from the Quran, Sunnah of the beloved Master (peace be upon him) and our revered teachers.

Quranic teachings heal the mind

Surah Al Fatiha, the opening surah is recommended for bodily and psychological healing. You may ask how can a reading of a short chapter of the Quran give healing? The answer lies in the fact that psychological problems, anxiety and depression come from an attitude, the way we think. Attitude leads to anger, arrogance, selfishness, insolence and belligerence. Fertile ground for mental anguish and depression to flourish. That is why the following of ‘the straight path’ gives healing. 

The person who prays regularly five times a day and asks Allah to keep him on the straight path will be protected from mental anguish and depression. When a person says “you alone we worship and from you alone we seek help” the despair and mental anguish will go. By focusing on the Everlasting, All-powerful and Sustaining Lord, you free yourself from the clutches of the fleeting material world.

A healthy mind leads to a healthy body capable of fighting illness

You’re satisfied and confident. In this short prayer ‘we worship you alone’ the pious believer is dedicating him/herself to the Lord. Putting trust and reliance on the Lord. This reading of Allah’s words and blowing on the patient is called Ruqya. Pious Muslims recite Quranic verses, Surahs and Allah’s beautiful names to encourage the sick, to feel positive and hopeful of being healed. A sick person desperately needs this push and motivation. Jabir ibn Abdullah narrated “a man was stung by a scorpion, someone came to the Messenger and asked him please do Ruqya, he replied, whoever can help his brother must do so” (Bukhari).

Here is a list of 7 different Surahs that have been recommended for attaining healing for bodily illnesses and mental depression:

1. Surah Al-Fatiha: The Prophet (peace be upon him) named this as the chapter of healing. Khwaja Nizamuddin Awliya explained how to read this surah for healing. He said “read the surah 40 times and each time join the meem of Basmalla to the laam of alhamdulillah (read: Bismilla…Raheem-el hamolillah…) and at the end say Ameen three times (Fawaid ul Fawad – Zawiya publishers, Lahore).
2. Surah An-Nisa: Some scholars have recommended its recitation seven times for overcoming depression, despair and fear.
3. Surah Al-Anbiya: Particularly beneficial to tackle depression, to be read three times daily and it will create optimism, hope and strong faith.
4. Surah Al-Qasas: Recommended for infectious diseases, TB, Polio and Covid-19. After reading it three times blow over a glass of water and let the patient drink it.
5. Surah Luqman: Recommended for treating psychological illnesses, including stress and depression.
6. Surah At-Tariq: Beneficial for anyone who has ringing ears, tinnitus and piles.
7. Surah Al-Asr: Read it seven times for overcoming negativity, sadness and despair (Source: Janati Zayver by Allama Abdul Mustafa Azmi, (1978) Published by Zia ul Quran, Lahore).

Conclusion

The recommendation of using the Surahs of The Majestic Quran is to help heal the inner being, to build a healthy mind, a strong spirit and a generous heart. So, I recommend that you read the translation of these Surahs that’s where you will find the gems of wisdom that will heal your mental problems when you recite them.

“Scholars of Islam are agreed that every verse and Surah of the Quran has unique benefits and power not found anywhere else” (Ruqaya according to Quran and Sunnah by Abu Aliyah Muhammed bin Yusuf). Once the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Seventy thousand followers of mine will walk into Paradise without giving any account of their lives because they didn’t practise incantation, nor magic but instead trusted their Lord” (Bukhari). In another hadith, he (peace be upon him) said: “Incantations and practices of talisman are idolatry” (Tirmidhi).

How is all this different from pagan incantation, abracadabra, talisman and amulets?

Let me begin by explaining these terms: Incantation is a spell, a charm or a bewitching magical formula intended to trigger a magical effect on a person or objects. The formula can be spoken, sung or chanted. Incantations are performed by magicians who claim to be wizards and witches. Abracadabra is another name for a magical charm or incantation.

A talisman is an occult object stemming from cultural-religious or astrological practices. It connects the possessor with the spiritual world to provide healing and protection. 

Amulets are magic charms worn by people to protect themselves from negative energies, evil, injury and apparently brings good luck.

These objects and other engraved talisman are believed to have mystical powers, which supposedly brings personal protection, success and prosperity. They are often regarded as transmitters of healing energies and positive vibrations that are thought to promote feelings of peace and tranquillity. What does the Messenger (peace be upon him) say about people who use talisman and amulets? They are forbidden. They are the superstitions of the pagans. When you need protection from evil and demonic powers, the Quran has something far better to offer than these objects. Put your trust in Allah, be logical and reasonable.