Quranic Recitation as Supportive Cancer Therapy in Islamic Regions: A Systematic and Critical Review

Abstract

Chronically ill patients in Islamic regions often use Quranic recitation. However, there is a clinical and theological dichotomy between the use of spiritual practices as a psycho-spiritual complementary therapy and the promotion of spiritual practices as an exclusive, alternative cure. This systematic review explores the empirical evidence for Quranic recitation as an adjunctive treatment in oncology, assesses its physiological effects, and reviews the serious dangers treatment delays and increased mortality rates of spiritual healing as an alternative to conventional medicine.

Research Methodology: The Study Was conducted a systematic desk-research framework as per international standards reviewing clinical trials, observational studies, and systematic reviews indexed in PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar (2004-2026) and epidemiological reports on delays in oncology treatment in South Asia and the Middle East.

The clinical evidence showed that auditory Quranic therapy (Surah Ar-Rahman) significantly reduces chemotherapy-induced anxiety, decreases salivary cortisol levels, reduces subjective pain perception, and induces alpha brain waves associated with relaxation. In contrast, epidemiological data showed that when promoted as an exclusive alternative cure, patients run a serious risk of clinical delay, with a diagnostic and therapeutic delay ranging from 3 to 11 months, often leading to late-stage presentation and a near doubling of mortality rates. Hence, leading medical associations, moderate Islamic scholars, and investigative journalists have vehemently opposed the claims of absolute alternative spiritual cure, for the sake of public health.

The recitation of the Quran has been found to be a very effective non invasive supportive therapy that improves the quality of life (QoL) of cancer patients when incorporated into the standard oncological framework.