Reflections on the Name of Allah: Al-Quddus

The one who is clear of any imperfection, weakness, or shortcoming, meaning the most pure or the most holy. He transcends all that we perceive as perfection, and all sublime attributes belong to Him.

The Qur’an mentions the concept of the Holy Spirit (Ruh Al-Quddus) four times. It is understood that He purifies and makes holy through this spirit. This is the concept of the divine force and influence Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ has over His creatures. 

The Holy Spirit is understood to be a manifestation of Allah’s divine presence and guidance, working within believers to purify their hearts and souls, and to inspire them towards righteousness. It serves as a source of spiritual strength and enlightenment, helping believers navigate their journey of faith and obedience to Allah’s commands. Whenever you see either Ruh al-Quddus or Ruh al-Amin (the faithful or trustworthy spirit, the commentators of the Qur’an interpret it as being interchangeable with the Angel Jibrel.

Here, the Holy Spirit is mentioned in the context of supporting Prophet Isa (Jesus) (عليه السلام) with clear proofs and aiding him in his mission.

۞ تِلْكَ ٱلرُّسُلُ فَضَّلْنَا بَعْضَهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍۢ ۘ مِّنْهُم مَّن كَلَّمَ ٱللَّهُ ۖ وَرَفَعَ بَعْضَهُمْ دَرَجَـٰتٍۢ ۚ وَءَاتَيْنَا عِيسَى ٱبْنَ مَرْيَمَ ٱلْبَيِّنَـٰتِ وَأَيَّدْنَـٰهُ بِرُوحِ ٱلْقُدُسِ ۗ وَلَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مَا ٱقْتَتَلَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِنۢ بَعْدِهِم مِّنۢ بَعْدِ مَا جَآءَتْهُمُ ٱلْبَيِّنَـٰتُ وَلَـٰكِنِ ٱخْتَلَفُوا۟ فَمِنْهُم مَّنْ ءَامَنَ وَمِنْهُم مَّن كَفَرَ ۚ وَلَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مَا ٱقْتَتَلُوا۟ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَفْعَلُ مَا يُرِيدُ

(We have chosen some of those messengers above others.  Allah spoke directly to some, and raised some high in rank. To Jesus, son of Mary, We gave clear proofs and supported him with the holy spirit.² If Allah had willed, succeeding generations would not have fought ˹among themselves˺ after receiving the clear proofs. But they differed—some believed while others disbelieved. Yet if Allah had willed, they would not have fought one another. But Allah does what He wills.) Al-Baqara 2: 253    

(هُوَ اللَّهُ الَّذِي لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْمَلِكُ الْقُدُّوسُ السَّلَامُ الْمُؤْمِنُ الْمُهَيْمِنُ الْعَزِيزُ الْجَبَّارُ الْمُتَكَبِّرُ ۚ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ (الحشر 59: 23

(He is Allah than Whom there is La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He) the King, the Holy, the One Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All-Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory be to Allah! (High is He) above all that they associate as partners with Him.) Al-Hashr 59: 23

It is mentioned 2 times in the Holy Quran

Understanding Al-Quddus: Beyond Human Perfection

Al-Quddus, “The Most Sacred,” reflects Allah’s absolute purity and sanctity, distinguishing Him from His creation. This attribute emphasizes that Allah is free from any deficiency, error, or need. Unlike human beings, who are inherently flawed and often require external purification rituals, Allah’s sanctity is inherent and absolute. In the Quran, Allah’s unique nature of sanctity is often contrasted with human attributes to highlight His divine perfection:

سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ عَمَّا يُصِفُونَ

(“Exalted is Allah above whatever they describe.”) [Al-An’am 6:100]

This verse reminds believers that any human attempt to characterize Allah is inherently limited and cannot fully encompass His essence. Reflecting on Al-Quddus inspires a deeper reverence for Allah’s transcendent purity, prompting believers to strive for spiritual cleanliness in emulation of His divine perfection.

The Role of Al-Quddus in Islamic Worship and Life

The concept of Al-Quddus has a profound impact on Islamic practices and the spiritual life of a believer. Recognizing Allah as “The Most Sacred” encourages Muslims to approach their acts of worship, such as prayer and fasting, with sincerity and a deep sense of respect and cleanliness. This attribute also influences Muslims to maintain physical and spiritual purity as a reflection of their devotion to a perfectly pure Creator. The Quran instructs believers:

وَثِيَابَكَ فَطَهِّرْ

(“And purify your garments.”) [Al-Muddaththir 74:4]

This command symbolizes the broader principle of purity in all aspects of life, advocating for cleanliness as an essential part of faith. It underscores the importance of purity in the believer’s personal and communal life, honoring Allah’s attribute of sanctity.

Al-Quddus as a Source of Spiritual Strength and Guidance

Belief in Allah as Al-Quddus serves as a source of spiritual strength and guidance. It instills a confidence that, despite the imperfections and trials of life, Allah’s perfect sanctity is a constant that believers can rely on for support and guidance. This attribute reassures believers that Allah’s commands and decrees are inherently good and pure, aimed at guiding humanity towards righteousness and moral excellence. The following verse encapsulates this trust:

هُوَ اللَّهُ الَّذِي لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ

(“He is Allah, other than whom there is no deity.”) [Al-Hashr 59:23]

This affirmation of Allah’s oneness and sanctity reassures believers of the pure and unchanging guidance from their Creator. Trusting in Al-Quddus strengthens a believer’s resolve to follow Islamic teachings diligently, aspiring to reflect divine sanctity in their thoughts, actions, and interactions with others. This deeper understanding fosters a committed and conscious relationship with Allah, driven by awe and love for His sacred nature.