Soul (Rūḥ and Nafs) in Islam
Etymology and Translations
Rūḥ (روح):
- Arabic: روح (Rūḥ)
- Hebrew: רוּחַ (Rūak͟h)
- Greek: πνεῦμα (Pneuma)
- Turkish: Ruh
Nafs (نَفْس):
- Arabic: نَفْس (Nafs)
- Hebrew: נֶפֶשׁ (Nephesh)
- Greek: ψυχή (Psyche)
- Turkish: Nefis
Definitions and Qur’anic References
Rūḥ (روح): Rūḥ, often translated as “spirit” or “soul,” represents a more divine element of the human being. This is indicated in the Qurʾān where its origin and essence remain a mystery known only to God:
- Qur’anic Reference: Sūrah 17:85: “They will ask thee of the spirit (rūḥ). Say, the spirit proceedeth at my Lord’s command, but of knowledge only a little to you is given.”
Nafs (نَفْس): Nafs is frequently translated as “soul” or “self.” It is an integral part of human consciousness and includes the psychological and emotional aspects:
- Qur’anic Reference: Sūrah 3:185: “Each soul (nafs) shall be paid what it has earned.”
Theological and Philosophical Interpretations
Islamic theologians often do not draw sharp distinctions between rūḥ and nafs, viewing them as overlapping concepts. However, Islamic philosophers do delineate between the two, integrating their interpretations with Greek philosophy:
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Nafs (نَفْس): Analogous to the Greek ψυχή (psyche), describing three forms of life:
- Human beings: An-nafsu ʾn-nāt̤iqah, “the rational soul.”
- Animals: An-nafsu ʾl-ḥaiwānīyah, “the animal life.”
- Plants: An-nafsu ʾn-nabātīyah, “the vegetative soul.”
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Rūḥ (روح): Matches the Greek πνεῦμα (pneuma), representing the divine “spirit.”
Tripartite Nature of Man
Although the Qur’an does not explicitly endorse a tripartite view of human nature (body, soul, and spirit), this perspective influences many theological and philosophical dialogues. This tripartite model finds resonance in other religious texts, such as the New Testament:
- 1 Thessalonians 5:23: “And I pray God your whole spirit and soul, and body be preserved blameless until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Takeaways and Conclusion
In Islamic tradition, the soul is a profound and multi-faceted concept, deeply embedded within the human existential framework. The theological parallels with other faith traditions illustrate a rich, intercultural dialogue that has taken place over centuries, contributing to a nuanced understanding of human nature and spirituality.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Soul and Its Journey in Islam: A Study of Rūḥ and Nafs in Classical Tradition” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- “Islamic Philosophy and Theology: Muslim Thought in the Middle Ages” by W. Montgomery Watt
- “The Passions of the Soul in the Metamorphosis of Becoming” by Sara McCann
- “The Spirit and the Self: Essays on Islamic Philosophy and Mysticism” by Henry Corbin
Understanding the Islamic conceptualization of the soul, both as rūḥ and nafs, offers a window into the spiritual and psychological dimensions that define human existence, resonating with the broader discourse in world religions and philosophical traditions.
