Spirit and soul in Islam

Abstract

The article represents an attempt on the basis of the analysis of the system of images, interpretations and ideas of soul in the Koran, by theologians and medieval philosophers to find the answer to a question what is soul in Islam and to define value of two words – nafs (soul) and Rukh (spirit). Tries to answer the questions connected with understanding of this concept by various Islamic philosophers and the directions of Islam, who connect with improvement of soul, meaning of life, shows that Muslim theologians and philosophers, assuming as a basis the Koran, do not do difference between a concept of soul (nafs) and spirit (Rukh) and consider that the human soul is spiritual substance, heavenly and eternal. Islamic theologians accept Platon’s and Aristotelean interpretation of soul, claiming what consists of matter and a form. According to what, the soul living empty life – is mortal, and at making – is eternal. The main mission of the Person that is given by Allah reveals. Arabic-speaking philosophers and theologians treated soul as transcendental, connecting it with active Mind through whom It reaches perfection, participating in process of an emanation of the Principal Reason i.e. God, forming a statement about the identity of concepts of "Soul" and "Egoism". The spirit was interpreted as primary, sensitive phenomenon, only connecting to it, a soul can reach eternity.