Introduction to the Ruh in Islam
Understanding the Nature and Meaning of the Ruh
Meaning of the Ruh in Islam
The Ruh, or spirit, is not a material entity but a divine command from Allah. The Qur’an states: “They ask you about the Spirit; say, it is of the affair of my Lord” (17:85). This verse reveals the sacred and mysterious nature of the Ruh in Islam.
The Creation of Adam and the Divine Spirit
Allah created Adam from clay and breathed into him His Ruh (32:9). This divine act gave humans intellect, will, and moral awareness. Through the Ruh, mankind gained the ability to make righteous choices, symbolizing human dignity and divine connection.
The Role and Function of the Ruh
Ruh as the Source of Life and Awareness
The soul in Islam gives consciousness and awareness. Without it, the body is lifeless. The Ruh connects believers to Allah through prayer, faith, and remembrance, guiding them toward spiritual enlightenment and eternal purpose.
The Ruh in Islamic Eschatology
The Journey of the Ruh After Death
The Departure of the Soul at Death
At death, the Ruh departs by Allah’s command, marking the end of worldly existence. Yet death is not final—it begins the soul’s journey into the unseen world, awaiting resurrection and accountability in the Hereafter.
The Concept of Barzakh in Islam
Barzakh in Islam is the barrier between life and the afterlife (23:100). The Ruh remains in this state until resurrection, experiencing peace or punishment based on earthly deeds. It is a waiting phase before the Day of Judgment.
Experience of the Ruh in Barzakh
Life After Death and Resurrection in Islam
Belief in Life After Death in Islam
Life after death in Islam is a continuation of spiritual existence. The Ruh remains aware of its destiny while awaiting divine judgment. Death is simply a transition from the physical world to the eternal realm.
Resurrection of the Ruh and Body
On the Day of Resurrection, Allah will reunite every Ruh with its body. This demonstrates divine power and justice. The resurrection highlights that every soul will face reward or punishment according to its deeds.
Qur’anic Proof of Resurrection
The Qur’an (36:78–79) declares that Allah, who created life once, will create it again. This confirms the reality of resurrection in Islam and emphasizes that the Ruh in Islam is eternal, not destroyed by death.
Reward and Punishment of the Ruh
Reward for the Righteous Ruh
The righteous Ruh will dwell in Jannah, the eternal paradise of peace. The Qur’an describes it as gardens beneath which rivers flow. The soul in Islam that lived with faith and sincerity will enjoy eternal happiness.
Punishment for the Wicked Ruh
The wicked Ruh faces divine justice in Jahannam (Hell). It experiences torment and separation from divine mercy. This reflects the eschatological aspects of Ruh in Islam, where moral accountability defines the soul’s fate.
Different Types of Ruh Mentioned in the Qur’an
Ruh al-Qudus – The Holy Spirit
The Qur’an refers to Ruh al-Qudus (Holy Spirit) as the medium of revelation (2:87, 16:102). Scholars identify it as the Angel Gabriel, who brought divine messages and strengthened Jesus (AS) and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Ruh al-Amin – The Trustworthy Spirit
The Relationship Between Ruh and Nafs
Difference Between Ruh and Nafs
Islam distinguishes Ruh (spirit) from Nafs (self). The Nafs seeks worldly desires, while the Ruh yearns for divine truth. Spiritual success depends on purifying the Nafs and allowing the Ruh to guide the believer toward righteousness.
Mystical Interpretations of the Ruh
Sufi Understanding of the Ruh
Sufi scholars like Al-Ghazali and Ibn Arabi view the Ruh in Islam as a divine spark within each person. Through remembrance and purification, the soul ascends toward Allah, revealing the deeper spiritual dimension of human existence.
Transformation of the Soul After Death
Death as a Transformation, Not an End
In Islamic belief, death is a transformation, not extinction. The Ruh transitions from this temporary world to the eternal life of the Hereafter, continuing its conscious journey toward divine judgment.
Moral Lessons from Belief in the Ruh
Spiritual and Ethical Lessons
Belief in the Ruh promotes humility, responsibility, and gratitude. It reminds believers that life is a divine test and every action shapes the soul’s eternal fate. The soul in Islam encourages faith, repentance, and moral integrity.
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What Is the Spirit (Ruh) in the Qur’an?
The Qur’an describes the Ruh as a sacred, divine entity originating from Allah’s command. It is not portrayed as a human soul but rather as a heavenly force that carries revelation, life, and guidance. The Ruh represents the divine connection between Allah and His creation.
The Ruh Is from Allah’s Command
Functions and Attributes of the Ruh
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The Ruh brings revelation to the Prophets (26:192-195).
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Allah calls it “My Spirit”, affirming its divine origin (15:28-29).
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It is closely connected with angels and divine decrees (78:38).
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Prophets like Isa (Jesus) were strengthened with the Ruh (2:87, 5:110).
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Believers are also supported and inspired by it (16:102, 58:22).
The Ruh in Creation and Life
Allah breathed “from My Spirit” into Adam (15:29, 38:72) and into Mary (21:91, 66:12). This does not mean the Spirit itself entered them completely, but that a portion of divine command was placed within them. Hence, every human being possesses a spirit derived from the divine Ruh.
The Holy Spirit (Ruh al-Qudus)
Islamic scholars and hadiths describe the Ruh al-Qudus (Holy Spirit) as a divine guide greater than the angels. It supports Prophets and the righteous with insight and strength. While there is one Holy Spirit, every human receives a share of it, symbolizing the spark of divine life within each person.
The Spirit Is Pure and Infallible
Since the human ruh originates from Allah’s own command, it remains pure and cannot sin. It serves as the source of consciousness and life, while the nafs governs desire, emotion, and moral choice. The ruh does not undergo judgment; it is the eternal light within, untouched by corruption.
What Is the Soul (Nafs) in the Qur’an?
Unlike the ruh, the nafs represents the human self, capable of both righteousness and sin. It is this aspect of the human being that experiences trials, emotions, and moral struggles. The Qur’an repeatedly mentions the nafs as the entity that will be judged in the Hereafter
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Creation and Purpose of the Nafs
Allah says in Surah Ash-Shams (91:8-10):
“And [by] the soul and Him Who proportioned it, and inspired it with what is wrong and right. Successful is the one who purifies it, and ruined is the one who corrupts it.”
This verse highlights that the nafs is created with free will and moral awareness.
Types of Nafs in the Qur’an
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The purified soul that attains peace and enters Paradise (89:27-30).
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Nafs al-Ammarah (Commanding Soul): The soul that urges toward evil (12:53). Nafs al-Lawwama (Self-Reproaching Soul): The soul that blames itself after sin (75:2). Nafs al-Mutma’inna (Tranquil Soul):
The Nafs and Human Desire
The Qur’an reveals that the nafs is linked to human desires and weaknesses (5:70). It can wrong itself, seek forgiveness, and be transformed through divine guidance (4:110, 7:53). This internal battle between righteousness and temptation defines human moral existence.
Misconceptions About Wandering Souls
Many people falsely believe that souls wander in the world or haunt specific places. For example, some claim that the soul of a murdered person roams near the place of death or that certain houses are haunted by spirits of disbelievers.
According to Sharh-us-Sudoor (p. 237), these are baseless myths. After death, the souls of believers are entrusted to the angel Rimya’eel, while the souls of disbelievers are kept under the custody of the angel Daumah. Thus, no soul wanders freely on its own
The Places Where Souls Reside
Souls of Believers (Mu’mineen)
Bahar-e-Shari’at (Vol. 1, p. 101) further explains that the souls of Muslims dwell in various places based on their spiritual rank — some remain at their graves, some near Zamzam, others between the heavens and earth, and some under the ‘Arsh in A‘la-Illiyyeen.
Souls of Disbelievers (Kuffar)
The souls of disbelievers remain imprisoned in designated locations such as Sijjeen, a place beneath the seventh earth where Iblees and his followers reside.
(Bahar-e-Shari’at, Vol. 1, p. 103)
These vile souls cannot roam freely. Some remain in their graves, some in the pits of
hat Is the Soul (Nafs) in the Qur’an?
(Yemen), and others in lower layers of the earth.
Awareness of the Soul After Death
Both righteous and sinful souls recognize and hear those who visit their graves. However, unlike the blessed souls of believers, the disbelieving souls remain confined.
The Holy Prophet ﷺ compared this spiritual freedom to a bird released from a cage, symbolizing the soul’s liberation after death.
The Concept of Reincarnation Is False in Islam
Islam firmly rejects reincarnation or transmigration of the soul. The belief that a soul enters another body — human or animal — is against Islamic creed and considered disbelief (kufr).
(Reference: Bahar-e-Shari’at, Vol. 1, p. 103)
Each soul lives only once in this world, dies once, and awaits resurrection and judgment in the Hereafter.
Souls of Animals in Islam
According to Tafseer Ruh-ul-Ma’ani (Vol. 8, p. 208), the souls of animals do not remain connected to their bodies after death. Their souls either remain suspended in the air or reside wherever Allah wills.
Unlike human souls, they have no reward or punishment after death, as animals are not accountable beings
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