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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Holy Quran Text. Translation & Commentary (the Example Commentary in Brief)(volume Three) What Is the Spirit (verse No. 85) Commentators have had very long discussions about this verse (NO.85) in general, and about Man's ``SPIRIT'', or what is called the, ``SOUL'' in particular.

In our comments we shall begin to explain the literal meaning of the word, then we shall see how the word is used in Qura"n; and finally will give our comments:ِ 1ِ The Arabic, ``ROOH'' and, ``RIH'' which means, ``WIND'' both are from the same root. It has many connotations and shades of meaning, like, RA"HAT=COMFORT, HAPPINESS, KINDNESS, INSPIRATION, HOLY SPIRIT, GOD'S AID, FINE, MERCURY and etc.

Therefore, if the Spirit of Man which is an independent, and incorporeal created essence is called ROOH, it is due to its similarity with the wind, in movement, life inducing, invisibility, and etc. 2ِ A) The word, ``ROOH'' has been used in Qura"n in a various way to bear a diversity of meanings:ِ In S 2:253, it is used to show the HOLY SPIRIT which came from God to strengthen the Apostles in their missions;ِ ``And those Messengers We have exalted; some above the athers.

Among them are some to whom Allah spoke. (MOSES THE INTERLOCUTOR) Others He raised in grades, and We gave Jesus the son of MARY, evidences, and We strengthened him with the Holy Spirit.'' B) In some passages it is used to mean SPIRITUAL POWER by which Allah strengthens the believers, e.g.

in S 52:22;ِ ``They are those on whose heart, the faith is written, and Allah has strengthened them with a SPIRIT from Himself.'' C) Sometimes it is used in Qura"n to illustrate the angel of inspiration as in, S 26:193:ِ ``This is a revelation from the Lord of the world, with which comes down the Trustworthy Spirit.'' [ 589 ] D) In other cases it is used to imply an Arch angel such as Gabriel, as we read in S 97:4:ِ ``There comes down in the night of Ghadr, the angels and the SPIRIT, by Allah's permission, on every affair.'' The verse implies that the Spirit (GABRIEL) does not come down of his own accord.

He, in accompany with the other angels, come down to dispose every affair of Man. E) And finally the word may mean the soul, or the life bearing Spirit which God has blown it to Man.