Efficacy of music and quranic verses in reducing cortisol level: A stress biomarker in medical undergraduates

Relaxation music holds power to treat mental health problems which has been empirically evidenced by the research in mental health. Holy Quran is a sacred book for Muslims and it holds Healing (shifa) in itself for its followers. The present randomized controlled trial aimed to study the efficacy of audition of Recitation of Surah Al-Rahman Versus Relaxation Music in attenuating stress among medical students. Present study measured the cortisol level and stress subscale of Depression Anxiety Stress Scale as measures of stress. Sixty medical students recruited for the present study were divided in two groups; Experimental group (n = 30) with Audition of Surah Al-Rahman and Control Group (n = 30) with Audition of Relaxation Music. Saliva samples were used to measure cortisol levels and stress levels were assessed by administering questionnaires. For analysis of the results, descriptive, paired sample t-test and independent group t-test were applied. Within group difference findings revealed Surah Al-Rahman and relaxation music both are effective in attenuating stress levels. Whereas, between group differences revealed that that listening to Surah Al- Rahman is statistically more significant in lowering of cortisol levels and scores of stress scale in comparison to Relaxation Music. There were no significant differences in outcomes based on prior experiences with music listening and listening to the Quran verses, media choice, or gender. This enlightens that Islam is a complete code of life and holds resolution for all problems and diseases. Effects of listening to Quran may be further investigated in forthcoming studies with reference to other mental health issues.