قرآنِ مجید میں لفظِ روح کے مدلولات و مفاہیم: مفسرینِ کرام رحمہم اللہ کے تفسیری مواقف کا تحقیقی و تجزیاتی جائزہ

The Semantic Dimensions and Conceptual Meanings of the Term Rūḥ in the Holy Qur’an: A Critical and Analytical Study of the Exegetical Perspectives of Classical Qur’anic Commentators

Abstract

The term Rūḥ (Spirit) occupies a significant position in the semantic and theological discourse of the Holy Qur’an. The Qur’anic usage of this term reflects a remarkable diversity of meanings, ranging from the divine spirit breathed into human beings and the angel Jibrīl (Gabriel) to revelation, divine assistance, and spiritual vitality. This diversity has attracted considerable attention from Muslim exegetes throughout Islamic intellectual history. The present study aims to explore the various meanings and implications of the term Rūḥ in the Qur’an through a critical and analytical examination of the interpretations offered by classical Qur’anic commentators. Employing a qualitative and descriptive-analytical methodology, the study investigates the linguistic, contextual, theological, and exegetical dimensions of the term in different Qur’anic passages. It analyzes the viewpoints of prominent exegetes, including al-Ṭabarī, al-Zamakhsharī, al-Rāzī, Ibn Kathīr, al-Qurṭubī, al-Ālūsī, and others, highlighting both areas of agreement and divergence. The research demonstrates that the meaning of Rūḥ cannot be restricted to a single definition; rather, its interpretation varies according to the context and thematic framework of each verse. The study further reveals that the semantic richness of the term reflects the depth and comprehensiveness of the Qur’anic discourse. By examining classical exegetical perspectives and evaluating their evidences, this article contributes to a deeper understanding of Qur’anic semantics and Islamic theological thought. It also offers a systematic framework for understanding the multifaceted nature of Rūḥ in the Qur’an and its significance in the broader context of Islamic intellectual tradition.