💫 Understanding RUH: The Essence of the Spirit in Islam

Explore the concept of Ruh, its significance in Islamic thought and theology, and its distinction from nafs. Learn about its etymology, historical background, and cultural differences.

Definition, Etymology, and Significance of Ruh

Definition

“Ruh” (روح) in Islamic theology refers to the spirit or soul, considered the divine element within every living being. The term is used twenty-one times in the Quran to convey the idea of the life force imparted by Allah. In broader understanding, Ruh is the immaterial, immortal essence that transcends the physical body, often seen as the true self or personality.

Etymology

The Arabic word “Ruh” (روح) stems from the root “r-w-ḥ” (ر-و-ح), which infers meanings connected with “breath,” “spirit,” and “wind,” symbolizing the life-giving aspect of the divine breath.

Historical Context

The concept of Ruh has its origins in pre-Islamic beliefs where breath and spirit were intertwined concepts. With the advent of Islam, these notions were synthesized into a coherent theological and philosophical framework. The Quran and Hadith emphasize Ruh’s divine origin, stressing its paramount role in conveying life, spiritual awareness, and personal identity.

The understanding of Ruh has also been crucial in differentiating between life and non-life, as well as higher spiritual states vs. corporeal existence. Classical Islamic scholars, theologians, and Sufis have deeply analyzed Ruh, propagating rich interpretations and practices around its significance.

Cultural Variance and Comparison

The concept of Ruh is found prevalently in Sufi literature, where it is distinguished from “nafs” (self or ego). While Ruh is often perceived as pure and divine, nafs is considered the lower or animalistic aspect of the human self that needs to be disciplined for spiritual ascent.

Across different cultures and Islamic sects, the concept of Ruh holds unique expressions. For instance:

  • In Persian, the term for Ruh is also “روح” (rūḥ).
  • In Urdu, it is similarly “روح” (roh).
  • In Indonesian and Malay, it is “Roh”.
  • The Turkic languages such as Turkish will use “Ruh” (same as Arabic).
  • In Bengali, it is often transliterated as “রূহ” (ruh).
  • Nafs: Refers to the self or ego, often perceived in a less spiritual context in contrast to Ruh.
  • Qalb: The heart, often representing emotional and spiritual consciousness.
  • Jibril (Gabriel): Often referred to as Ruh al-Qudus (Holy Spirit).

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: Nafs (self), Spirit, Soul, Essence. Antonyms: Corporeality, Body, Matter, Flesh.

Quotations

“Indeed, We have created man in the best of molds. Then We return him to the lowest of the low, except those who believe and do righteous deeds.” - [Quran 95:4–6]

“When My servant draws near to Me, I am as close as the ruh, the very breath within his ribcage.” - [Hadith Qudsi]

Fascinating Fact

Did you know that in some Sufi traditions, it is believed that the Ruh of every individual is pre-existent in a cosmic matrix awaiting to descend into the physical realm?

  • Al-Ghazali’s “The Alchemy of Happiness”
  • Ibn Arabi’s “The Bezels of Wisdom”
  • Seyyed Hossein Nasr’s, “The Garden of Truth”

Quiz on Ruh

### The term "Ruh" translates to which of the following? - [x] Spirit or soul - [ ] Flesh - [ ] Intellect - [ ] Desire > **Explanation:** Ruh is the Arabic word for spirit or soul and is integral to Islamic teachings about the divine spark within living beings. ### In the Quran, how many times is Ruh mentioned? - [x] Twenty-one - [ ] Fifty - [ ] Twelve - [ ] Ten > **Explanation:** Ruh is mentioned twenty-one times in the Quran, emphasizing its importance in the Islamic understanding of life and spirituality. ### Which term is often used interchangeably with Ruh but interpreted differently by Sufis? - [x] Nafs - [ ] Qalb - [ ] Jism - [ ] Malaika > **Explanation:** Though Ruh is sometimes used interchangeably with Nafs, Sufi traditions draw a clear distinction between the divine Ruh and the self-centered Nafs. ### The root letters of Ruh (روح) are associated with which concepts? - [x] Breath, spirit, wind - [ ] Fire, light, strength - [ ] Water, earth, vitality - [ ] Knowledge, wisdom, insight > **Explanation:** The root "r-w-ḥ" signifies breath, spirit, and wind in Arabic, indicating the life-giving essence of the Ruh. ### In Sufism, which term refers to the higher, divine aspect of a person compared to Nafs? - [x] Ruh - [ ] Qalb - [ ] Dunya - [ ] Sharia > **Explanation:** Ruh is seen as the higher, divine aspect of a person in Sufism, contrasted with the Nafs which represents the lower, ego-driven nature. ### Which angel is commonly referred to as Ruh al-Qudus (Holy Spirit)? - [x] Gabriel (Jibril) - [ ] Michael (Mikail) - [ ] Azrael (Azra'il) - [ ] Israfil > **Explanation:** Gabriel (Jibril) is known as Ruh al-Qudus in Islamic tradition, playing a vital role in transmitting divine revelations. ### Which sacred text deeply explores the concept of Ruh in its verses? - [x] The Quran - [ ] The Torah - [ ] The Bible - [ ] The Bhagavad Gita > **Explanation:** The Quran delves into the concept of Ruh, explaining its divine origin and connection to human life. ### What is the transliteration of Ruh in Persian and Urdu? - [x] روح (roh) - [ ] زندگی (zindagi) - [ ] ## آدم (adam) - [ ] ملا (mala) > **Explanation:** In Persian and Urdu, the term "روح" (roh) is used to indicate the same concept of soul or spirit.

Farewell Thought: “Understanding Ruh is an invitation to delve into the very core of one’s existence, encompassing a journey beyond the corporeal towards a divine resonance of the soul.”


wishing you peace and profound insights,

Layla Mahmoud

October 3, 2023

Saturday, July 6, 2024

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