The Secret of the Ruh: A Journey Inward
Introduction
Among the most profound questions humanity has ever asked is: *What is the essence that gives us life?* The Qur’an tells us that this very question was posed to the Prophet ﷺ. Allah ﷻ responded with words that humble the intellect and stir the heart:
“﴿وَيَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الرُّوحِ …”
“And they ask you about the ruh (soul). Say: The ruh is from the command of my Lord, and you have not been given knowledge except a little.” (Qur’an 17:85)
This verse directs us inward—to explore the inner reality of our souls. Our task is not to dissect the ruh scientifically but to reflect upon it spiritually and rediscover our purpose.
The Ruh as Divine Command
The Qur’an situates the ruh firmly within the amr—the command of Allah. This teaches us two key truths:
– The ruh is not part of created matter; it is unlike fire, clay, or water.
– Its essence lies beyond human comprehension. We can recognize its divine origin and honor its presence within us.
Ibn al-Qayyim (رحمه الله) explains:
“The ruh is the life-breath of meaning within the body, the unseen thread connecting humans to their Creator. Without the ruh, the body is lifeless clay; with it, we become beings capable of knowing Allah, worshiping Him, and aspiring beyond material existence.”
The Inner Cosmos
Humans often marvel at galaxies, oceans, and mountains. Yet, within each of us lies a cosmos no less vast—the human psyche. The ruh is at the heart of this inner universe.
Imam al-Ghazali (رحمه الله) compared the heart to a polished mirror. When the ruh is alive with remembrance, it reflects divine truth clearly; when clouded by heedlessness, the reflection is distorted.
**Polish the mirror of your heart** through:
– Dhikr (remembrance of Allah)
– Prayer (Salah)
– Repentance
– Sincerity
Knowing the Self to Know the Lord
A statement often quoted among scholars says:
«مَنْ عَرَفَ نَفْسَهُ عَرَفَ رَبَّهُ»
“Whoever knows himself, knows his Lord.”
While the chain is debated, the meaning resonates with Qur’anic guidance. Knowing oneself means reflecting on the ruh. The Prophet ﷺ reminded us:
“Truly, in the body there is a morsel of flesh which, if sound, the whole body is sound; and if corrupt, the whole body is corrupt. Truly, it is the heart.” [Bukhari & Muslim]
The Longing of the Ruh
Ibn al-Qayyim described the ruh as a traveler, exiled in the body yet yearning for its true home. Every human has felt this restlessness—a dissatisfaction with material pleasure, a hunger for meaning.
The ruh reminds us of its source. Qur’an 13:28:
“Those who believe and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah — indeed, it is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts find rest.”
Reflection and Responsibility
Reflecting on the ruh requires responsibility. Neglecting it betrays our essence.
– Numbing the ruh silences the voice calling us home.
– Nurturing it through Qur’an, prayer, and remembrance allows it to guide us toward Allah.
Al-Ghazali wrote:
“The ruh is like a lamp: it can illuminate the entire body and mind but only if fueled with the oil of divine remembrance. Neglect it, and the lamp flickers and dies.”
The Journey Inward
Allah reminds us in Qur’an 51:21:
“And in yourselves — do you not then see?”
This is a call to dig deep into the soul, confront the psyche, and realign it with its Source. True signs of Allah exist within ourselves.
**The inward journey—from self to soul, and from soul to Allah—is the greatest voyage we can undertake.**
Classical Insights on the Ruh
**Ibn al-Qayyim (رحمه الله)**
– Soul’s yearning vs. bodily pull: “The body of the son of Adam was created from the earth, while his soul originates from divine command …”
– Recognizing spiritual state: “The state of the servant in the grave is like the state of the heart in the chest …”
– Healing imbalance: “The heart has a disarray that can only be mended by turning to Allah …”
**Imam al-Ghazali (رحمه الله)**
– Heart as a mirror: “The heart reflects divine light when polished through dhikr and reflection …”
Conclusion
The ruh remains a divine mystery. We know little, yet that little is from Allah’s command, enough to awaken reflection, humility, and purpose.
Our task is to honor it: polish the mirror of our hearts, silence distractions, and listen for the call within—a call pointing us back to Allah.
**The greatest journey is inward—from self to soul, and from soul to Allah.**
References
– Qur’an, 17:85, 13:28, 51:21
– Ibn al-Qayyim (رحمه الله), Kitāb al-Rūḥ, al-Fawā’id
– Imam al-Ghazali (رحمه الله), Iḥyā’ ‘Ulūm al-Dīn, Book of the Marvels of the Heart; Mishkāt al-Anwār
– Sahih Bukhari & Muslim, Hadith on the heart
