Significance of Ruh
Ruh, derived from Arabic, signifies the concept of soul in Islamic thought, intertwining with the Indic idea of atma. This synthesis reflects the philosophical distinctions made by Ibn Sina, who differentiated between the overarching World Soul and individual Animal Souls. This intermingling of ideas emphasizes the shared cultural and spiritual dialogues between Islamic and Indian philosophies throughout history.
Synonyms: Soul, Spirit, Mind, Essence, Psyche, Life force
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
The concept of Ruh in local and regional sources
Ruh, meaning "soul" in Arabic, embodies Islamic concepts while intertwining with the Indic notion of atma. This reflects Ibn Sina's differentiation between the universal World Soul and the individual Animal Soul.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Ruh refers to the Arabic word for soul and is used in the context of Islamic ideas, becoming braided together with the Indic idea of atma, with the overall thrust of Ibn Sina’s distinction between a basic World Soul and a specific Animal Soul.[1]