What is the wisdom behind describing Jesus, peace be upon him, as a "spirit from Him," while Adam, peace be upon him, was described as having had God "breathe into him of His spirit"?
The designation of Jesus (peace be upon him) as "Ruh Allah" (Spirit of Allah) indicates his honor and high status, similar to the addition of "Our servant" and "My servants" to Allah, which signifies elevated rank. There are multiple interpretations regarding the reason for this appellation: some say it is because he was a mercy to those who followed him, or because Allah revealed to Mary the glad tidings of him, or because Gabriel breathed into her, which distinguishes Jesus from Adam.
Al-Baghawi mentioned that the spirit is like other spirits, but its attribution to Allah is for honor, or that "Ruh" refers to Gabriel's breath, or a mercy from Him, or revelation, or Gabriel himself. Al-Shawkani believes that the attribution is for distinction, and that one who performs wondrous things may be called a spirit, or that the "Ruh" is a creation of Allah, or a mercy from Him, or a proof and argument.
As for Al-Alusi, he stated that "Ruh" may mean mercy, or revelation, or purity, or a secret among Allah's secrets, or it refers to his being endowed with a spirit, and its attribution to Allah is for honor. There is no issue with Adam not being named with this appellation, because Jesus' designation is established by textual evidence.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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