Ar-Rūḥu ʾL-Amīn (الروح الامين)
Definition
Ar-Rūḥu ʾL-Amīn (الروح الامين) is an Arabic term that translates to “The Faithful Spirit.” This term is primarily used within the Islamic tradition to denote the Angel Gabriel (جبريل, Jibrīl), who is considered the intermediary that brought the revelations from Allah to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Etymology
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Arabic: الروح الامين (Ar-Rūḥu ʾL-Amīn)
- Ar-Rūḥ (الروح): “The spirit” or “the soul.”
- Al-Amīn (الأمين): “The faithful” or “the trustworthy.”
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Turkish: Güvenilir Ruh
Qur’anic Usage
The term “Ar-Rūḥu ʾL-Amīn” is mentioned specifically in the Qur’an, Surah Ash-Shu’arā (26:193):
<p>“Verily from the Lord of the Worlds hath this book come down; the faithful spirit hath come down with it upon thy heart, that thou mayest become a warner in the clear Arabic tongue.” (Qur’an, 26:192-195)</p>
In this verse, “Ar-Rūḥu ʾL-Amīn” is identified as the transmitter of the divine message, reinforcing its association with the Angel Gabriel.
Significance
The designation “The Faithful Spirit” underscores the trustworthiness and reliability of the Angel Gabriel, who is seen not only as a messenger but as a divine conduit ensuring the integrity and purity of Allah’s revelations. This reinforces his crucial role in Islamic theology.
Roles and Attributes
- Revealer of the Qur’an: Angel Gabriel is believed to have revealed the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ over 23 years.
- Instructor of Prophets: Gabriel is also mentioned in various Hadiths as providing detailed guidance to the Prophet on various aspects of the faith.
- Protector and Guide: In Islamic lore, Gabriel serves not just as a messenger but also as a protector of believers and a guide sent by Allah.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “Angels in Islam” by Uri Rubin – A comprehensive study of the role and theology of angels within Islam, including extensive sections on Gabriel.
- “The Qur’an: An Introduction” by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem – Offers insights into the Qur’anic revelation process, often referencing Gabriel’s role.
- “Islamic Theology: Traditionalism and Rationalism” by Binyamin Abrahamov – Discusses the broader theological context within which the role of entities like Gabriel is understood.
Takeaways
- Ar-Rūḥu ʾL-Amīn signifies the crucial role of Angel Gabriel in Islamic theology.
- The term highlights the divine trust placed in Gabriel to faithfully transmit revelations from Allah.
- It underscores the sanctity and the divine source of the Qur’an as conveyed by an unfaltering emissary.
Conclusion
Understanding the term Ar-Rūḥu ʾL-Amīn (الروح الامين) offers deep insight into the Islamic narrative of revelation and the exalted status of the Angel Gabriel. Recognizing this term’s full scope aids believers in appreciating the gravity and the sanctity of the Qur’anic message brought forth by a ‘faithful spirit.’
This entry provides a well-rounded perspective on the term “Ar-Rūḥu ʾL-Amīn,” supporting both theological understanding and linguistic appreciation of this significant concept in Islam.
