Rūḥu l-Qudus (روح القدس)

Rūḥu l-Qudus (روح القدس)

Definition

Rūḥu l-Qudus (روح القدس‎) - Often translated as “The Holy Spirit” or more literally “The Spirit of Holiness”. This term is of profound significance in Islamic theology and appears in the Qur’an to describe a divine force or presence that aids prophets, specifically Jesus (Isa in Arabic).

Etymology

The term is derived from the Arabic words:

• رُوح‎ (Rūḥ): Translated as “spirit” or “soul”.
• القُدُس‎ (Al-Qudus): Translated as “the holy” or “the sacred”.

The literal meaning combines to form “Spirit of Holiness” or “Holy Spirit”.

Occurrences in the Qur’an

The expression “Rūḥu l-Qudus” appears three times in the Qur’an:

1. Sūrah Al-Baqarah (2:87):

   <p><em>&ldquo;We gave Jesus, the son of Mary, clear signs and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit.&rdquo;</em></p>

2. Sūrah Al-Baqarah (2:253):

   <p><em>&ldquo;Of those messengers, some of whom we have exalted above others. Among them are those to whom Allah spoke, and He raised some of them in degrees. And We gave Jesus, the son of Mary, clear signs and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit.&rdquo;</em></p>

3. Sūrah Al-Ma’idah (5:110):

   <p><em>&ldquo;When God said, &lsquo;O Jesus, son of Mary! remember My favor upon you and upon your mother when I supported you with the Holy Spirit so you spoke to the people in the cradle and in maturity.&rsquo; &ldquo;</em></p>

Scholarly Interpretations

• Al-Baidawi’s Tafsir: Al-Baidawi interprets Rūḥu l-Qudus as the Angel Gabriel (Jibrīl), who is believed to be the messenger bringing divine revelations to prophets, including Jesus.

  Other interpretations include:

  • The Spirit of Jesus himself.
  • The Gospel or message of Jesus.
  • The Ismu l-Aʿẓam (The Greatest Name of God), by which Jesus performed miracles, including raising the dead.

Interpretations and Perspectives

• Angel Gabriel (Jibrīl): The dominant interpretation within Islamic scholarship.
• Spirit of Jesus: Some linking the term directly with Jesus.
• The Gospel and Miracles: Relating Rūḥu l-Qudus to the divine powers bestowed upon Jesus for performing miracles.

Further Studies

For those interested in delving deeper into the topics of Islamic theology, Qur’anic exegesis, and the role of the Holy Spirit in Islam, consider exploring the following resources:

1. “Tafsir Ibn Kathir”: A classical exegesis of the Qur’an providing insights into various terms and concepts.
2. “The Study Quran” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr: Provides modern commentary and translation with scholarly analysis.
3. “Islamic Theology and Philosophy” by W. Montgomery Watt: An extensive overview of essential theological constructs within Islam.
4. “Gabriel Said Reynolds’ The Qur’an and Its Biblical Subtext”: Explores connections between the Qur’an and biblical literature.

Takeaways

• Rūḥu l-Qudus underlines the divine assistance provided to prophets, specifically emphasizing the support rendered to Jesus.
• Scholarly interpretations vary but predominantly align on identifying it with the Angel Gabriel.
• The term enriches our understanding of how divinity interacts and aids human prophets within the Islamic tradition.

Conclusion

Rūḥu l-Qudus (روح القدس‎), encapsulated as “The Holy Spirit,” holds a multi-faceted role in Islamic thought, encompassing angelic assistance, divine revelation, and the extraordinary abilities granted to Jesus. This term deepens the theological narrative of divine interaction with humanity, particularly prophets, evidencing Islam’s intricate spiritual semantics.