Ruh is a term derived from Arabic, which holds significant spiritual meaning in various religious and philosophical contexts. In Islamic theology, ruh is often translated as "spirit" or "soul." It refers to the immaterial essence or life force that animates living beings and represents the eternal, divine aspect within individuals. According to Islamic beliefs, Allah (God) breathes ruh into every person, granting them life and consciousness.
In Sufism, a mystical Islamic tradition, ruh is further seen as the innermost essence of a person's being, transcending the physical body. Sufis seek to purify the ruh through spiritual practices and connect it with the divine source. Through this process, they aim to attain spiritual enlightenment and a closer relationship with Allah.
The concept of ruh is also present in Hindu and Buddhist philosophies. In Hinduism, ruh is known as "Atman" and is considered the eternal, unchanging self or soul within every individual. It is believed to be identical to the ultimate reality, Brahman. Meanwhile, in Buddhism, ruh is often equated with the concept of "jīva," representing the individuated consciousness that persists through various lifetimes until achieving enlightenment.
Overall, ruh encompasses the idea of an intangible, eternal, and divine aspect within living beings, representing the deeper essence of their existence and their connection to a higher power or ultimate reality.
