The concept of Ruh (soul or spirit) in Islamic thought has been explored in various ways by scholars, theologians, and mystics, leading to a range of interpretations. While Ruh is often described as the divine essence breathed into humans by Allah, the understanding of its nature, origin, and function varies. Here are some key interpretations:

1. Qur’anic Perspective

In the Qur’an, the Ruh is presented as a divine mystery. In Surah Al-Isra (17:85), Allah says, “And they ask you about the Ruh. Say, ‘The Ruh is of the command of my Lord, and you have been given of knowledge but a little.’” This verse indicates that the true nature of the Ruh is known only to Allah.

The Qur’an describes the Ruh as the divine breath that gives life. In Surah Sad (38:72), Allah says, “And I breathed into him of My [created] soul”, referring to the creation of Adam. This portrayal underscores the Ruh as a unique divine element within humans.

2. Theological Interpretations

Ash‘ari and Maturidi Schools: These major theological schools regard the Ruh as an immaterial, indivisible essence created by Allah and distinct from the physical body. They see the soul as a source of life, enabling humans to exercise free will, reason, and conscience.

Mu‘tazila: Some Mu‘tazilite thinkers held that the Ruh is inherently tied to the body and does not exist as an independent essence. They emphasize a more rationalistic view of the soul, considering it essentially as human consciousness or intellect.

3. Philosophical Interpretations

Islamic philosophers like Al-Farabi, Ibn Sina (Avicenna), and Ibn Rushd (Averroes) analyzed the Ruh through a blend of Islamic teachings and Greek philosophy, especially Neo-Platonism and Aristotelian thought.

Ibn Sina, for instance, saw the Ruh as an immaterial, rational substance that transcends the body. He proposed that the soul has several faculties (e.g., vegetative, animal, and rational) that enable biological, emotional, and intellectual functions.

In this view, the rational soul is eternal and independent of the body, capable of surviving death and returning to its divine origin.

4. Sufi Mystical Interpretations

In Sufism, the Ruh is considered a divine light or spark within each human, symbolizing the part of Allah within the self. Sufis often describe it as a divine connection that yearns to reunite with Allah.

Ibn Arabi and other Sufi masters viewed the Ruh as an expression of divine unity within the individual, referring to it as the “inner heart” or sirr (secret) that perceives spiritual realities.

The Ruh in Sufi thought is not merely the animating principle but a path for enlightenment and spiritual transformation, serving as a means for humans to transcend ego (nafs) and attain closeness to Allah.

5. Psychological and Ethical Interpretations

Some Islamic thinkers see the Ruh as part of the tripartite human nature, along with the nafs (self/ego) and the ‘aql (intellect). This framework considers the Ruh as the highest, most spiritual aspect of human identity, seeking purity and divine closeness.

Ethically, the Ruh is seen as the foundation of human moral responsibility. It gives humans the inner compass to distinguish right from wrong, aligning them with the divine will when purified.

6. Modern Interpretations

Contemporary Islamic scholars sometimes interpret the Ruh as a symbol of consciousness, identity, or the “self” that integrates spiritual insights with psychological well-being.

Some scholars explore intersections with neuroscience and psychology, interpreting the Ruh as the non-material aspect of human consciousness and subjectivity that science cannot fully explain.

In Summary

The Ruh in Islamic thought is a profound and multifaceted concept. For some, it is the literal breath of Allah; for others, it is the essence of human identity and moral purpose. Across interpretations, however, the Ruh is seen as a core element connecting humanity to the

divine and is viewed with reverence and mystery