Rūḥ (روح‎)

Rūḥ (روح‎)

Definition

Rūḥ (روح‎), translated as “spirit,” plays a vital role in Islamic theology, spiritual literature, and mystical thought. It closely corresponds to the Hebrew term ‘רוּחַ’ (rūak͟h). The term appears nineteen times in the Qur’an and encapsulates various meanings depending on the context, including the Holy Spirit, life force, and divine inspiration.

Etymology

• Arabic: رُوح‎ (Rūḥ)
• Hebrew: רוּחַ (rūak͟h)
• Turkish: Ruh

Qur’anic Occurrences and Interpretations

1. Sūratu ʾl-Baqarah (ii:87, 253): The Holy Spirit (Rūḥu ʾl-Qudus) strengthens Jesus.
2. Sūratu ʾn-Nisāʾ (iv:169): Jesus is described as Rūḥun min-hu (a spirit proceeding from God).
3. Sūratu Maryam (xix:17): The spirit (Rūḥa-nā) takes the form of a perfect man before Mary.
4. Sūratu ʾl-Māʾidah (v:110): Jesus is strengthened again by the Holy Spirit.
5. Sūratu ʾn-Naḥl (xvi:2, 104): The spirit is sent with divine command.
6. Sūratu ʾl-Miʿrāj (xvii:85): The spirit proceeds at God’s command.
7. Sūratu ʾsh-Shuʿarāʾ (xxvi:193): The faithful spirit (ar-Rūḥu ʾl-Amīn) reveals the Qur’an.
8. Sūratu ʾl-Mujādilah (lviii:23): Believers receive divine strength from God’s spirit.
9. Sūratu ʾl-Maʿārij (lxx:4): The angels and spirit ascend to God in a day.
10. Sūratu ʾl-Qadr (xcvii:4): The angels and the spirit descend by their Lord’s permission for every matter.
11. Sūratu ʾsh-Shūrā (xlii:52): The spirit is sent with revelation.
12. Sūratu ʾl-Ambiyāʾ (xxi:91), Sūratu ʾt-Taḥrīm (lxvi:12): God breathes His spirit into Mary.
13. Sūratu ʾl-Sajdah (xxxii:8), Sūratu Ṣād (xxxviii:72): God’s breath instills spirit in Adam.

Philosophical and Theological Interpretations

Sunni Perspectives

Muslim scholars offer varied interpretations:

• Gnostic interpretations link Rūḥ to inner spiritual experience and divine enlightenment.
• Philosophical perspectives see it as a bridge between human finiteness and divine infinitude.

Sufi Interpretations

In Sufi thought, Rūḥ represents the highest form of human soul, reflecting divine attributes and existing in a state of purity and closeness to God.

Rūḥ after Death

• Angel of Death (Malaku ʾl-Maut): Separates the human soul from the body.
• Al-Barzakh: Intermediate state between death and resurrection.
  • Prophets: Enter Paradise immediately.
  • Martyrs: Rest in green birds that reside in Paradise.
  • Other Believers: Diverse opinions on their intermediate state.

Key References

Primary Texts

• Qur’anic Verses: Listed above are pivotal to understanding the term’s diverse implications:
  • Jesus and the Holy Spirit
  • Prophetic Inspiration
  • Creation of Adam

Secondary Texts

• Kashshāfu Iṣt̤ilāḥāti ʾl-Funūn by W. Nassau Lees: Comprehensive dictionary of Islamic technical terms.
• Sharḥu ʾl-Mawāqif: Discusses the philosophical implications and varying opinions on Rūḥ.

Suggested Books for Further Study

1. Islamic Spirituality: Foundations edited by Seyyed Hossein Nasr - Offers deep insights into the spiritual aspects of Islamic theology.
2. The Mystical Dimensions of Islam by Annemarie Schimmel - Explores mystical interpretations, including the concept of Rūḥ.
3. Inner Dimensions of Islamic Worship by Imam al-Ghazali - Discusses the spiritual essence in various acts of worship, tied back to the significance of Rūḥ.

Takeaways

• Rūḥ stands central in Islamic doctrines concerning creation, prophecy, spirituality, and eschatology.
• The term addresses different layers of existence, bridging the divine with the earthly.
• Various interpretations reflect the richness and complexity of Islamic scholarship on the topic.

Conclusion

The concept of Rūḥ, pivotal in Islamic thought, signifies various aspects of divine interaction with humanity. From breathing life into Adam to strengthening prophets like Jesus, Rūḥ exemplifies God’s intimate connection with His creation. Scholarly discourse unveils a spectrum of interpretations, grounding its significance in both theological assurance and mystical exploration.