If you listen to the Quran and suddenly feel a physical reaction such as crying or goosebumps–Don’t worry! This is normal and we will see why.
We will explore together why this happens, what it means, and how Allah describes this in His book.
Also, by the end, we will discuss if such a reaction may be a problem and how to deal with it.
Let’s start Bismillah
Table of Contents
Why do I get Goosebumps when Listening to the Quran?
Having goosebumps when listening to the Quran is normal as the Quran isn’t a normal book. Listening to the Miraculous words of Allah have such an impact on the heart and soul of the listener. And thus, this may often be shown as getting goosebumps or more.
Allah tells us in the Quran: “Allah has sent down the best message—a Book of perfect consistency and repeated lessons—which causes the skin of those who fear their Lord to tremble, then their skin and hearts soften at the mention of Allah.”Al-Zummar 23
Getting goosebumps while listening to the Quran is a sign of (Fearing Allah) which is a great characteristic and a sign of a healthy and sound heart.
This initial reaction of having goosebumps or trembling of the skin should be followed by the remembrance of Allah and His mercy. Then you will find your heart calming down and finding peace in that.
Then as Allah describes it: “That is the guidance of Allah, through which He guides whoever He wills. But whoever Allah leaves to stray no one will guide.”
What happens to your body when you listen to the Quran?
Your body reacts when you listen to the Quran because your heart reacts to it.
Your outer physical body is a tool controlled by your inner heart.
Listening to the Quran is like washing the heart and cleaning it. Which naturally carries over to your body and you may feel it reacting to what’s happening in your heart.
Allah says: “The believers are only those whose hearts tremble at the remembrance of Allah, whose faith increases when His revelations are recited to them, and who put their trust in their Lord.” Al-Anfal 2
Your physical actions impact your heart and your heart impacts your body and actions.
You need to be aware of this and work to cleanse your heart, by listening to the Quran with a present heart.
The reaction of the heart is more important than the reaction of the body.
Be aware of your heart
The Quran and Sunnah put great emphasis on minding your heart and the relation between it and your body.
The prophet peace be upon him said:
“Temptations will be presented to men’s hearts as reed mat is woven stick by stick and any heart which is impregnated by them will have a black mark put into it, but any heart which rejects them will have a white mark put in it.
Until it becomes one of two hearts: a white heart like marble which will not be harmed by any turmoil or temptation, so long as the heavens and the earth endure;
and the other is black and dust-colored like a vessel which is upset, not recognizing what is good or rejecting what is abominable, but being impregnated with passion.” Sahih Muslim
Your reaction to the trials and temptations of life, as well as the virtues and worship, impact your heart. Be always aware and vigilant of your heart as it’s the most important organ and the master of your body.
The prophet peace be upon him said: “Beware, in the body there is a piece of flesh; if it is sound, the whole body is sound and if it is corrupt the whole body is corrupt: That is the heart.” Sahih Muslim
Focus on your heart and don’t worry if there is a reaction from the body. Also, Don’t be fixated on trying to force a reaction from your body as the heart is what’s important here.
Why does listening to the Quran make me cry?
Crying doesn’t only relate to sadness; it’s often also related to joy and happiness. You cry when finding The Truth, you yearn for is an example of that.
Allah describes the truth seekers as: “When they listen to what has been revealed to the Messenger, you see their eyes overflowing with tears for recognizing the truth. They say, “Our Lord! We believe, so count us among the witnesses.” Al-Ma’idah 83
We are often living our lives in search of truth and spiritual fulfillment, and when we finally find it in the Quran it’s often an uncontrollable reaction to cry
The Quran isn’t just words to be repeated, it was sent down for us to react to it. The first type of reaction is crying when finding the truth, which is a natural reaction.
Then notice how Allah describes the truth seekers as reacting with their tongues as well and confessing to Allah that they believe the Truth.
Moreover, they say: “Why should we not believe in Allah and the truth that has come to us? And we long for our Lord to include us in the company of the righteous.”
And what’s the response of Allah (Glorified is He)?
Allah says: “So Allah rewarded them for what they said with Gardens (Jannat) under which rivers flow, to stay there forever. And that is the reward of the good-doers.”
The natural reaction of crying, then submitting to Allah with their words and then with their actions. And then the guaranteed befitting reward from Allah almighty for such simple things! Subhan Allah.
Why do I get scared when I hear the Quran?
Hearing the Quran, The Word of Allah may cause you to fear Him.
Fear is a natural emotion that drives humans. It’s natural to be scared of Allah, as that’s a sign of revering Him, and indeed He is the greatest and worthiest of awe and reverence.
Yet, fear should be balanced with love and hope. –Muslims worship Allah with a heart that mixes: Love, fear, and hope.
Allah describes for us how prophets used to worship Him, so we can do the same: “Indeed, they used to race in doing good, and call upon Us with hope and fear, totally humbling themselves before Us.” Al-Anbia 90
Those who worship God only with fear end up in despair,
“And who despairs of the mercy of his Lord except the misguided” Al-Hijr 56
Those who worship God only with love end up thinking that they are His equals!
Those who worship God only with hope also end up with dreamy delusions, thinking their hope is enough to get what they need!
“˹Divine grace is neither by your wishes nor those of the People of the Book! Whoever commits evil will be rewarded accordingly, and they will find no protector or helper from Allah.” Al-Nissa 123
As scholars describe it, the love of Allah to worship is like the heart of a bird, while Fear and hope are its wings. The bird can’t fly without all three, and the Quran crafts this balance in our hearts so that we can be True Muslims
Knowing the meanings of the Quran and the words you are reading helps greatly in opening your heart to it.
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Headache when listening to the Quran
Not all physical reactions are normal when listening to the Quran. Having a headache while listening to the Quran may be a sign of a deeper problem.
Quran usually expels and disables any bad influence of magic, evil eye, jinn, and so on.
Quran is a cure, and sometimes cures cause pain as the disease is clinging to the body. But elongated exposure should make it easy with the will of Allah.
Here are some tips to help with that case:
- Make sure to listen to or read the Quran while on Wudu
- Put your hand and say the Dua the prophet taught us: “I seek refuge in Allah and His power from what I find and fear”
- and it’s always recommended to check with a doctor for a proper checkup.
There is no guarantee of a general diagnosis as every case is different of course –Seek causes and rely on Allah.
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Final thought
The Nobel Quran is the literal words of Allah, and for those with clear and open hearts, such powerful words would leave an impact, not just spiritual, emotional, and intellectual, but also physical.
Getting goosebumps, crying, or having your heart tremble from the fear of Allah is only natural. Focus on the remembrance of Allah and in it, you will find peace.
Put in the effort to learn more about what you hear and read –This way you can be elevated with the Nobel Quran when you open your heart to it.
