Are there differences in meaning between the words "الروح" (al-Ruh) and "النفس" (al-Nafs) as mentioned in the Holy Quran, or do they carry the same meaning?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The soul (nafs) and the spirit (ruh) are one and the same. The soul (nafs) is the spirit (ruh) that governs the body. Therefore, scholars in their books sometimes use the term "nafs" and sometimes "ruh."
And Allah knows best.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/38813
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 38813
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Read the full answer on Ftawy