Effects of Dhikr (Repetition of Holy Names) on Stress: A Systematic Review
Journal of Pizhūhish dar dīn va Salāmat (i.e., Research on Religion & Health),
Vol. 7 No. 3 (2021),
11 Shahrivar 2021
,
Page 157-171
https://doi.org/10.22037/jrrh.v7i3.27320
Abstract
Background and Objective: Dhikr (holy names repetition) is one of the Quranic methods that is used to cope with anxiety. Numerous studies have investigated the effectiveness of dhikr in reducing human stress. Stress is one of the biggest problems in humans that lead to burnout, anxiety, weakened immune system, and organ damage. Therefore, the current study intended to critically review the literature and line of research on the effects of holy name repetition on reducing stress.
Methods: In so doing, a systematic review was conducted. The data were collected through well-known English and Persian databases, including Sciencedirect, PubMed, Magiran, SID, Proquest, Eric, Psychinfo, Springer, Ebsco, and Noormags. Altogether, 39 studies were found and ultimately, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the investigation. The authors have not reported any conflicts of interest.
Results: According to the sample populations investigated, those studies were classified into four categories: studies on ordinary people (one study), veterans (six studies), family members and caregivers of patients (four studies), and patients with HIV (one study). Eleven studies (92 percent) demonstrated that remembrance of God significantly reduced the stress. Most of the studies have been conducted in the United States and on the veterans.
Conclusion: Modern human, surrounded by many stressors, may resort to dhikr as a reliable strategy to find peace. Future researchers are suggested to systematically review the studies investigating the effectiveness of holy name repetition in alleviating other psychological problems such as depression and aggression.
- Dhikr; Distress; Review study; Stress
How to Cite
References
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