In Islam, the term "Holy Spirit" (Arabic: الروح القدس, al-Rūḥ al-Qudus) is primarily understood to refer to the Archangel Gabriel (Jibrīl in Arabic), the chief of the angels. He is revered as the divine messenger who conveyed God's revelations to prophets, most notably bringing the Quran to Prophet Muhammad.
The concept of the Holy Spirit in Islam differs significantly from its understanding in Christianity, where it is considered one of the three persons of the Holy Trinity. In Islam, God is one and indivisible (Tawhid), and there is no concept of a triune God.
The Rūḥ and its Meanings
The Quran describes the Rūḥ (Spirit) in various ways. It refers to ruh as al-rūḥ al-qudus, which means "the holy spirit" and ar-rūḥ al-amin, which means "the faithful" or "trustworthy spirit". These terms are commonly understood to be references to the Archangel Gabriel.
Let's explore the various facets of Rūḥ and its connection to the Holy Spirit in Islamic theology:
1. Archangel Gabriel (Jibrīl)
The most prominent understanding of al-Rūḥ al-Qudus is its identification with the Archangel Gabriel. Gabriel's role is central to Islamic belief as the conveyer of divine messages.
- Messenger of Revelation: Gabriel's primary function was to transmit God's words to His chosen prophets. He delivered the Quran, verse by verse, to Prophet Muhammad over 23 years. This role emphasizes his trustworthiness and holiness, as described by ar-Rūḥ al-Amin (The Trustworthy Spirit).
- Quranic References:
- "Say, [O Muhammad], 'The Holy Spirit has brought it down from your Lord in truth to make firm those who believe and as guidance and good tidings for the Muslims.'" (Quran 16:102)
- "And indeed, [the Quran] is the revelation of the Lord of the worlds. The Trustworthy Spirit has brought it down. Upon your heart, [O Muhammad] – that you may be of the warners." (Quran 26:192-194)
- Quranic References:
- Support for Prophets: Gabriel also played a crucial role in supporting other prophets, such as strengthening Jesus (Isa) and assisting him with miracles "by the Holy Spirit."
- "We gave Jesus, the son of Mary, clear proofs and supported him with the Holy Spirit." (Quran 2:87, 2:253, 5:110)
2. Divine Command or Life Force
Beyond Gabriel, the term Rūḥ can also signify other concepts in the Quran, often related to God's divine command, life-giving essence, or the soul.
- Divine Breath/Life: In the context of creation, Rūḥ can refer to the breath of life or spirit that God imbues into His creations, giving them existence and vitality. For example, God "breathed into Adam of His Spirit" (Quran 15:29).
- Divine Knowledge/Guidance: Sometimes Rūḥ denotes divine inspiration, wisdom, or guidance that God bestows upon individuals or humanity.
- The Soul: In common usage, Rūḥ can also refer to the human soul or spirit that resides within the body.
Key Terms and Interpretations of "Spirit" in Islam
To clarify the distinct meanings, consider this overview:
| Term (Arabic) | Literal Meaning | Common Islamic Understanding |
|---|---|---|
| الروح (ar-Rūḥ) | The Spirit, Soul, Life-force, Command | A general term with multiple meanings, including: • The human soul • The divine breath of life • God's command or decree • In a specific sense, refers to Gabriel |
| الروح القدس (al-Rūḥ al-Qudus) | The Holy Spirit | Primarily identified with the Archangel Gabriel, who brings divine revelation to prophets. Also seen as a source of divine strength and support. |
| الروح الأمين (ar-Rūḥ al-Amin) | The Trustworthy Spirit | Specifically refers to the Archangel Gabriel, emphasizing his reliability and fidelity in conveying God's messages without alteration. |
| روح القدس (Rūḥ al-Qudus) | Spirit of Holiness (variant of Al-Rūḥ al-Qudus) | Often used interchangeably with Al-Rūḥ al-Qudus to denote the Archangel Gabriel. The term 'holiness' emphasizes Gabriel's pure and sanctified nature, making him the ideal vehicle for divine communication. |
Distinctive Islamic Perspective
It is essential to understand that while the term "Holy Spirit" exists in Islam, its theological implications are fundamentally different from Christian doctrines. There is no notion of co-eternity or co-equality with God in the Islamic understanding of the Holy Spirit. Instead, it represents a mighty, pure, and trustworthy creature of God—the Archangel Gabriel—who serves as a conduit for divine communication and support.
