The Spirit and Holy Spirit in The Quran and its Exegeses

The term ‘Holy Spirit’ is referenced four times in the Quran, with three instances directly related to Jesus Christ, while the broader term ‘spirit’ or “the spirit” (al-Rūḥ) appears eighteen times, some of which pertain to Mary, the mother of Jesus. This study explores the concepts of the Spirit and...

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Main Author: Mohammad Makdod
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Kader 2024-12-01
Series:Kader
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Online Access:https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/4199460
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author Mohammad Makdod
author_facet Mohammad Makdod
author_sort Mohammad Makdod
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description The term ‘Holy Spirit’ is referenced four times in the Quran, with three instances directly related to Jesus Christ, while the broader term ‘spirit’ or “the spirit” (al-Rūḥ) appears eighteen times, some of which pertain to Mary, the mother of Jesus. This study explores the concepts of the Spirit and Holy Spirit as they are presented in the Quran, as well as their interpretations in classical Islamic exegesis. The research begins by analyzing the Quranic verses where the “Holy Spirit” is associated with Jesus Christ and his mother, providing a detailed examination of these occurrences and their contextual significance. Subsequently, the study delves into the instances of the “Holy Spirit” in other contexts, offering a comparative analysis of the term’s usage across different passages. Following the discussion on the “Holy Spirit,” the study shifts focus to the discussion of “the spirit” (al-Rūḥ) and “a spirit” (Rūḥ) in the Quran. Adopting the same methodological approach, it first addresses the verses connected to Jesus and Mary, before exploring the diverse contexts in which the spirit is mentioned. In each case, the relevant Quranic interpretations are discussed, drawing from key Quranic commentaries (tafsīr). The study relies on a combination of classical exegetical methods, incorporating both narration-based exegesis (tafsīr bi-l-ma'thūr), such as the works of al-Ṭabarī and al-Baghawī, and reasoning-based exegesis (tafsīr bi-l-ra'y), as exemplified by the works of Imām Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī. Additionally, it evaluates the authenticity and sources of the exegetes’ interpretations, scrutinizing their reliance on prophetic traditions (hadith), the explanations of the Prophet’s companions, and even biblical sources. By presenting and comparing a range of Quranic interpretations, this study aims to highlight the diversity of thought surrounding the concepts of the ‘Spirit’ and ‘Holy Spirit’ within Islamic tradition. It provides a valuable resource for those seeking to understand how these notions are interpreted and debated within Islam and offers a platform for comparison with the corresponding concepts in Christianity and Judaism, thereby contributing to broader interfaith theological dialogues.
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spelling doaj-art-ac9085cf6ab1478c860c238bbddda8592025-01-12T11:44:36ZengKaderKader2602-27102024-12-0122236237910.18317/kaderdergi.15456251137The Spirit and Holy Spirit in The Quran and its ExegesesMohammad Makdod0https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4029-861XIBN HALDUN UNIVERSITYThe term ‘Holy Spirit’ is referenced four times in the Quran, with three instances directly related to Jesus Christ, while the broader term ‘spirit’ or “the spirit” (al-Rūḥ) appears eighteen times, some of which pertain to Mary, the mother of Jesus. This study explores the concepts of the Spirit and Holy Spirit as they are presented in the Quran, as well as their interpretations in classical Islamic exegesis. The research begins by analyzing the Quranic verses where the “Holy Spirit” is associated with Jesus Christ and his mother, providing a detailed examination of these occurrences and their contextual significance. Subsequently, the study delves into the instances of the “Holy Spirit” in other contexts, offering a comparative analysis of the term’s usage across different passages. Following the discussion on the “Holy Spirit,” the study shifts focus to the discussion of “the spirit” (al-Rūḥ) and “a spirit” (Rūḥ) in the Quran. Adopting the same methodological approach, it first addresses the verses connected to Jesus and Mary, before exploring the diverse contexts in which the spirit is mentioned. In each case, the relevant Quranic interpretations are discussed, drawing from key Quranic commentaries (tafsīr). The study relies on a combination of classical exegetical methods, incorporating both narration-based exegesis (tafsīr bi-l-ma'thūr), such as the works of al-Ṭabarī and al-Baghawī, and reasoning-based exegesis (tafsīr bi-l-ra'y), as exemplified by the works of Imām Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī. Additionally, it evaluates the authenticity and sources of the exegetes’ interpretations, scrutinizing their reliance on prophetic traditions (hadith), the explanations of the Prophet’s companions, and even biblical sources. By presenting and comparing a range of Quranic interpretations, this study aims to highlight the diversity of thought surrounding the concepts of the ‘Spirit’ and ‘Holy Spirit’ within Islamic tradition. It provides a valuable resource for those seeking to understand how these notions are interpreted and debated within Islam and offers a platform for comparison with the corresponding concepts in Christianity and Judaism, thereby contributing to broader interfaith theological dialogues.https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/4199460kelamkutsal ruhruhi̇sameryemmeleklerkalāmholy spiritthe spiritjesusmaryangels
spellingShingle Mohammad Makdod
The Spirit and Holy Spirit in The Quran and its Exegeses
Kader
kelam
kutsal ruh
ruh
i̇sa
meryem
melekler
kalām
holy spirit
the spirit
jesus
mary
angels
title The Spirit and Holy Spirit in The Quran and its Exegeses
title_full The Spirit and Holy Spirit in The Quran and its Exegeses
title_fullStr The Spirit and Holy Spirit in The Quran and its Exegeses
title_full_unstemmed The Spirit and Holy Spirit in The Quran and its Exegeses
title_short The Spirit and Holy Spirit in The Quran and its Exegeses
title_sort spirit and holy spirit in the quran and its exegeses
topic kelam
kutsal ruh
ruh
i̇sa
meryem
melekler
kalām
holy spirit
the spirit
jesus
mary
angels
url https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/4199460
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