A Comparative Investigation to Observe the Effect of the Recitation of Al-Quran and Classical Music on Alpha Brain Wave in Medical Students

Main Article Content

Tahleel Javed
Sadia Ahsin
Hanniyah Batool Naqvi
Saira Tariq
Ramsha Majeed
Salman Abdul Qayyum

Keywords

Alpha waves, Quranic Recitation, Sound therapy, Brain waves, EEG

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the role of Quranic recitation in producing alpha wave increments on EEG in healthy subjects. To compare the level of increments, if any in alpha waves on EEG between Quranic verses and Classical music.
Materials and Methodology: After approval from the Ethical Review Committee, 32 healthy volunteers aged 20-25 years, comprising 16 males and 16 females were selected, from the undergraduate MBBS program, Foundation University Medical College (FUMC). A 10 minutes base line EEG was recorded for each of the participant prior to the procedure at Fauji Foundation Hospital (FFH) , to rule out any neuropsychiatric disorder. After adjusting the electrodes properly, a 5 minutes base line EEG was recorded .The participant was then exposed to the recitation of chapter 36 (Surah Yaseen) of Al-Quran for 5 minutes using earphones. A period of EEG at rest was recorded for 5 minutes after the exposure to Quranic recitation. Subsequently, the subject was exposed to Pachelbel's Canon in D major, which has been used as a “relaxing music” in researches. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21. Paired sample t-test was used to determine the significance of difference in increments.
Results: Mean values of Maximum negative alpha amplitude for Quranic Recitation, Baseline and Classical music were -39.9μV, -36.5μV, -35.8μV respectively. Maximum negative alpha amplitude was higher for Quranic recitation vs. Baseline (p=0.006) and Quranic recitation vs. Classical music (p = 0.001).
Conclusion: The results reveal that Quranic recitation increments alpha brain waves more than classical music which has been scientifically proven to be relaxing for mind. Therefore Quranic recitation can help in achieving a more relaxed state of mind and may be used as potent tool in music therapy as a part of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine).

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