The Qur’an: A Divine Cure and Eternal Guidance

Written by: Ustaz Erwin Shah bin Effandy

The Quran acts as a soul in the month of Ramadan as it is a beacon of light and wisdom that was sent down to us humankind through the Prophet s.a.w 1400 years ago. As a divine revelation, it serves as a catalyst that guides us throu

gh the darkness of this world, offering clarity where there is confusion, hope where there is despair, and direction where there is uncertainty. It provides solutions to the challenges of life, reminding us of our purpose and strengthening our connection with Allah s.w.t. Just as the body needs nourishment to survive, the soul finds its sustenance in the words of the Quran. Allah s.w.t beautifully opens the Qur’an in Surah Al-Baqarah:

The Qur’an is known by many names, one of which is Al-Huda (الهدى). It refers to guidance and a clear sign. It serves as a guidance that leads the righteous, directs them to the path of goodness and shows the way to our ultimate eternal abode, which is paradise. What better time for us to reflect and do tadabbur of the Qur’an than in the month that it was revealed? Allah s.w.t beautifully states in the Qur’an:

“Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and decisive authority.”

Imam Fakhruddeen Ar-Razi explains that this verse highlights the Qur’an as a divine guidance, leading people to the truth. It consists of clear and manifest signs that lead to the truth and distinguishes between truth and falsehood.

Whenever we feel lost and uncertain, we instinctively seek a guiding light, something to help us navigate our way forward. For us as Muslims, especially in the blessed month of Ramadan, that guiding light is the Quran. It is our ultimate source of wisdom and clarity, leading us toward eternal happiness and fulfillment. The Qur’an is also known as a cure for the diseases of the heart and body. Allah s.w.t mentions:

And We send down of the Qur’ān that which is healing and mercy for the Believers

The Qur'an serves as a cure for both physical and spiritual ailments. As for it being a cure for physical diseases, it is because blessings from reciting it can prevent many illnesses. A clear example of this is Surah Al-Fatihah, a chapter we recite at least 17 times a day in our prayers. More than just a fundamental part of our worship, it holds immense healing and guidance, acting as a powerful spiritual remedy for those who reflect upon its meanings and seek solace in its words.

Ibn Taymiyyah said: "The Quran has the ability to remove all ailments that cause evil desires, thus healing the soul and purifying its desires. It restores a person to the natural disposition (fitrah) that Allah has instilled, just as the body returns to health."

Ibn Qayyim also emphasized that Al-Fatihah holds immense healing power (Shifa), not only for physical ailments but also for spiritual and emotional struggles. Its verses remind us of Allah’s mercy, His sovereignty over all creation, and His role as the ultimate Judge, reinforcing trust and reliance upon Him in every aspect of life. He mentions:

“If a servant uses surah Al-Fatihah for healing properly, they will witness its astonishing effect in curing diseases.” He then continued: “I stayed in Makkah for a period while suffering from various ailments, yet I could not find a doctor or any medicine. So I began treating myself with Al-Fatihah, and I saw its remarkable effect. I recommended it to those who complained of pain, and many of them recovered quickly.”

Imam Al-Baghawi mentions that the Qur’an provides clarity from misguidance and ignorance, serving as a means through which disputes are resolved, ambiguities are clarified, doubts are healed, and confusion is removed. By eliminating ignorance, the Qur’an becomes a true remedy for the hearts and a mercy for the believers.

The Quraysh Arabs were renowned for their profound knowledge and eloquence in poetry. One of their leaders, Al-Waleed ibn Mugheerah, was considered one of the finest poets of his time, if not the finest. He was highly respected by the people and known for his exceptional poetic talent.

When Al-Waleed ibn Mugheerah heard the Qur’an being recited by the Prophet s.a.w., he was deeply astonished by its profound beauty and eloquence. He paused in his tracks, captivated by the powerful verses, and remained silent, listening intently to the Prophet’s recitation in awe. Al-Waleed said:

"By Allah, there is no one of you more knowledgeable of poetry than me, and no one is more aware of its rhyme and composition more than me, and more knowledgeable of the poetry of jinn, and it (Quran) does not resemble the style of words we are using. By Allah, it is so sweet, so eloquent, it is rich in meanings; it shall prevail over any speech."

As the words of the Qur’an resonated within him, those around him began to notice his reaction. They thought that the impact of the recitation had deeply moved him and that he might be considering embracing Islam.

Abu Jahal confronted Al-Waleed, questioning how he could be affected by the Qur’an. Al-Waleed responded, saying that he had never heard anything more eloquent and more beautiful than the recitation he had just experienced. Despite being profoundly moved, he ultimately resisted accepting the message, choosing to remain steadfast in his rejection and falsehood.

When we contemplate and reflect upon the Sirah, we gain valuable insights into how the Qur’an captivates and impacts everyone who encounters it. It is truly the divine words of Allah s.w.t that soothe the heart and alleviate its burdens. When one deeply reflects on its verses and comprehends them with the correct understanding, they will come to realize why it is known as Al-Huda (The Guidance) and As-Shifa’ (The Cure). Allah s.w.t mentions in the Qur’an:

“And when the Qur'an is recited, then listen to it and pay attention..”

From this verse, Allah s.w.t. chose the term “Istima” (استماع) instead of "Sama" (سماع) to emphasize the active process of listening attentively and with full focus when the Qur’an is being recited. “Sama’” (سماع) simply means hearing when information enters the ears without acting upon it. The words enter the hearts but there is no presence in it or reflection (tadabbur) when listening.

“Istima” (استماع) on the other hand refers to listening to the recitation with the ears first, then bringing the heart, mind, thoughts and entire being into interaction and contemplation. It involves giving the appropriate respect and appreciation to the Qur’an, as well as extracting the meaning and guidance from it in order to attain joy, happiness, peace and inner tranquility.

What we can understand from this verse is that the effect of the Qur’an on the soul of the believer is in understanding its meaning and not just in its melodious recitation. It is not about reading beautifully without acting upon it, but about doing tadabbur (reflecting on its meanings) and putting them into practice. One can truly see the beauty of the Qur’an once they implement it into their daily lives.