Rūḥu ʾllāh

Rūḥu ʾllāh (روح الله) in Islam

Definition

Rūḥu ʾllāh (روح الله), translating to “The Spirit of God” in Arabic, is a special title attributed to Jesus (Isa) in Islamic theology. According to the Qur’an, this term highlights Jesus’ unique status as one who was created through the divine Word and Spirit of God.

Etymology

• Arabic: رُوحُ ٱللّٰه (Rūḥu ʾllāh)
  • rūḥ: spirit, breath
  • ʾllāh: God
• Turkish: Allah’ın Ruhu

Qur’anic References

Jesus (Isa)

The title Rūḥu ʾllāh is specifically attached to Jesus in the Qur’an, signifying his divine creation and mission:

• Sūrat an-Nisāʾ (4:171)
  • “The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, is only an Apostle of God, and His Word, which He conveyed into Mary and a spirit proceeding from Himself (Rūḥun min-hu).”

Mary (Maryam)

Qur’anic verses also mention the special act of God breathing His spirit into Mary:

• Sūrat al-Anbiyāʾ (21:91)
  • “Into whom [Mary] We breathed of Our Spirit.”
• Sūrat at-Taḥrīm (66:12)
  • “Into whose womb We breathed of Our Spirit.”

Adam

Although Adam is not called Rūḥu ʾllāh, the concept of God breathing His spirit into Adam is mentioned:

• Sūrat as-Sajdah (32:9)
  • “Then He fashioned him and blew into him of His spirit.”
• Sūrat al-Ḥijr (15:29)
  • “When I have proportioned him and breathed into him of My spirit.”
• Sūrat Ṣād (38:72)
  • “So when I have fashioned him and breathed into him of My spirit.”

Theological Implications

The use of the term Rūḥu ʾllāh illustrates the intimate relationship between Jesus and God, emphasizing his pure and divine origin. This title underscores Jesus’ role as a notable prophet in Islam, while still maintaining a strict monotheistic separation between God’s spirit and the human sent as a prophet.

Insights and Takeaways

• Contextual Understanding: Rūḥu ʾllāh is significant for understanding how Islam views the nature and mission of Jesus differently from Christian perspectives.
• Uniqueness of Creation: Reflecting on the creation of Jesus and Adam, one can appreciate the unique aspects of divine intervention in human history as narrated in the Qur’an.
• Spiritual Semantics: Through these titles and descriptions, the Qur’an communicates intricate theological notions about God’s interaction with His creation.

Suggested Further Reading

1. “Jesus and the Qur’an” by Gabriel Said Reynolds
2. “The Muslim Jesus: Sayings and Stories in Islamic Literature” by Tarif Khalidi
3. “The Qur’an: Its Impact and Influence on the People of Islam” by Muhammad Abdel Haleem
4. “Introduction to Islamic Theology and Law” by Ignaz Goldziher
5. “Christians and Muslims at the Table: Promoting Biblical Understanding Among North American Muslims” by James A. Beverley

Conclusion

The term Rūḥu ʾllāh carries profound implications within Islamic theology, especially in relation to the unique status and divine origin attributed to Jesus. Examining its use in the Qur’an helps deepen our understanding of Islamic perspectives on prophethood, divine interaction, and the spiritual essence bestowed upon certain figures. This term is an essential part of the broader fabric of Islamic theology and continues to be a focal point in interfaith dialogues and religious studies.