Reflecting on the word Rūḥ (Spirit) is important because it is connected to Allah’s creation of the human being. Allah breathed of His Spirit into Adam, and this Spirit belongs to the realm of divine command, about which human knowledge is very limited, as Allah says: “And you have been given only a little knowledge.”

The Rūḥ is also closely linked to Light (Nūr). Light is one of the Names and Attributes of Allah, for Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. From this perspective, the spirit and light are deeply connected.

The Trustworthy Spirit (al-Rūḥ al-Amīn) refers to Angel Jibrīl (Gabriel), the chief of the angels, created from light. He carried Allah’s words and revelation to the messengers. Allah’s words themselves are described as “a Spirit from His command” and “a clear light” that brings people out of darkness into light.

The word Rūḥ appears in the Qur’an with different meanings, including:

* Rūḥ of Allah – meaning Allah’s mercy, as mentioned in Surah Yusuf, where despair from Allah’s mercy is forbidden.

* My Spirit / His Spirit – referring to the spirit Allah breathed into Adam, which honored humanity and was the reason for the angels’ prostration.

* Our Spirit – referring to the spirit breathed into Maryam (Mary), and also to Angel Jibrīl when he appeared to her.

* A Spirit from Him – referring to Prophet ‘Isa (Jesus), who was created by Allah’s command without a father, and also referring to divine support, mercy, and revelation given to believers.

* The Holy Spirit (Rūḥ al-Qudus) – referring to Angel Jibrīl, through whom Allah supported Prophet ‘Isa and revealed the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

* The Spirit and the Trustworthy Spirit – referring to Jibrīl in the context of revelation, the Night of Decree (Laylat al-Qadr), and the Day of Judgment.

* The Spirit from the command of Allah – referring to divine revelation and Allah’s speech, especially the Qur’an, which gives life, guidance, and light to hearts.

* Rūḥ (with a different pronunciation) – meaning comfort, mercy, joy, and rest for the righteous at the moment of death, as mentioned in Surah Al-Waqi‘ah.

All these meanings show that the Rūḥ in the Qur’an refers to life, light, mercy, revelation, divine support, and honor from Allah. Allah’s Spirit gives life to the human soul, but it truly shines and becomes alive when it is illuminated by the Spirit from Allah’s command—His revelation and His words.

Thus, the believer becomes a walking Qur’an, guided by Allah’s light and guiding others toward the Straight Path.

Light upon light—Allah guides to His light whom He wills.