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What is the difference between the soul (nafs) and the spirit (ruh), and which of them will be tormented or blessed in the Hereafter?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The term "Nafs" (self/soul) is used to refer to the "Ruh" (spirit), as in the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "O good soul, come out to a spirit from Allah and perfume." It may also refer to the spirit along with the body, as in His (Allah's) saying, the Most High: "And they wronged Us not, but they were wronging themselves."

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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