Surah Al-Isra 17:85
سُورَةُ الإِسۡرَاءِ · Meccan · Verse 85 of 111
وَيَسْـَٔلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلرُّوحِ ۖ قُلِ ٱلرُّوحُ مِنْ أَمْرِ رَبِّى وَمَآ أُوتِيتُم مِّنَ ٱلْعِلْمِ إِلَّا قَلِيلًۭا
Translation
[Prophet], they ask you about the Spirit. Say, ‘The Spirit is part of my Lord’s domain. You have only been given a little knowledge.’
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
In this profound verse, Allah addresses a question posed to His Messenger, peace be upon him, often by the disbelievers in Makkah, particularly prompted by the Jews: "They ask you about the *ruh* (spirit/soul)." This was not a question of genuine inquiry but often one of challenge and seeking to test the Prophet. Allah's response is swift and clear, laying down a fundamental principle about the limits of human understanding concerning divine matters: "Say, 'The *ruh* is from the command of my Lord. And you have not been given except a little of knowledge.'"
The Nature of the *Ruh*
The word الروح (*al-ruh*) itself carries several meanings in Arabic, and scholars have discussed which one is intended here. The most common and widely accepted view, as noted by al-Razi, al-Zamakhshari, and Ibn Ashur, is that it refers to the human soul, the invisible essence that gives life to the body. Some also considered it to be Angel Gabriel, or even the Qur'an itself, as these too are called *ruh* in other contexts. However, the context of the question, often coming from those who observed the mystery of life and death, points to the *ruh* that animates living beings.
The divine answer, الروح من أمر ربي (the *ruh* is from the command of my Lord), is exceptionally precise. The word أمر (*amr*) here is key. As Ibn Ashur explains, it can mean a 'thing' or 'matter' that is exclusively Allah's, emphasizing His unique knowledge of it. Or, it can refer to Allah's direct command of creation, "Be!", indicating that the *ruh* comes into existence by Allah's specific, unique will, not through the usual chain of cause and effect we observe in the physical world. Al-Razi further highlights this, suggesting it implies the *ruh* is a subtle, non-physical essence created by Allah's direct making, distinct from bodily compositions. This phrasing directs the questioner away from seeking a material definition, guiding them instead to the understanding of its divine origin and mysterious nature.
The Limit of Human Knowledge
The verse then concludes with a powerful statement: وَمَآ أُوتِيتُم مِّنَ ٱلْعِلْمِ إِلَّا قَلِيلًۭا (And you have not been given except a little of knowledge). The word أُوتِيتُم (*utitum*) "you have been given" in the passive voice implies that knowledge is a gift from Allah. The address "you" is not limited to the original questioners, but applies to all of humanity, including the Prophet himself, as noted by al-Zamakhshari. It is a universal truth: human knowledge, however vast it may seem, is infinitesimally small compared to the boundless knowledge of Allah. This humility in the face of the unknown is a core lesson, reminding us that some realities, especially those directly tied to Allah's unique creative command, lie beyond our grasp and are best left to His exclusive knowledge.
Sources: al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jalalayn
Qur'anic Worlds
When we approach Allah's words, especially a verse like Surah Al-Isra' (17):85, we do so with humility, recognizing it as divine speech meant to reshape our hearts and minds. This verse addresses a profound mystery, inviting us to ponder the limits of human knowledge and the boundlessness of divine wisdom.
The Question of the Spirit
The verse begins, "And they ask you about the Ruh (Spirit)..." (17:85). This "you" is addressed directly to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and "they" are the disbelievers who posed the question. According to authentic narrations in Bukhari and Muslim, this question came from a group of Jews in Medina, who were testing the Prophet's claim to prophethood. They sought to challenge him with questions they believed only a true prophet could answer or appropriately address. The Prophet, upon receiving the question, remained silent, indicating that he awaited revelation.
The word *Ruh* (الروح) carries several meanings in Arabic and the Quran. While some scholars, like Qatada and Hasan, considered it to refer to Angel Jibreel or even the Quran itself, the majority of commentators, including Ibn Kathir, Ibn Jarir, and Ma'arif al-Quran, affirm that the questioners were asking about the *living spirit* or *soul* that animates humans and animals. They wanted to know its reality, its essence, how it enters and departs the body, and what gives life. This profound inquiry touches upon the very essence of existence in the World of Creation.
Allah's Answer: A Divine Mystery
Allah instructs the Prophet to respond, "Say, 'The Ruh is from the command of my Lord...'" (17:85). This profound answer reveals that the Ruh is not something graspable through typical material investigation or human intellect alone. Al-Razi explains that *amr* (أمر) here means it is brought into existence directly by Allah's creative command "Kun" (Be!). Unlike physical bodies, which form through mixtures and processes, the spirit is a simple, immaterial essence, a direct act of divine will. This distinguishes its origin from the physical world we perceive.
The answer underscores that the true reality and nature of the spirit remain a divine mystery, beyond the full comprehension of creation. It's a reminder of Allah's unique way of bringing things into being, especially that which gives life.
The Limit of Human Knowledge
The verse concludes with a humbling statement: "...and you have not been given knowledge except a little." (17:85). This addresses the inherent limitations of human knowledge when compared to Allah's boundless wisdom. While some early scholars like Qatada thought this was directed specifically at the Jews who prided themselves on their knowledge of the Torah, other accounts, including Ibn Mas'ud's, suggest it applies to all of humanity, including the Prophet himself, acknowledging that all human knowledge is but a drop in the ocean of divine wisdom.
This part of the verse invites us to reflect on our place in the World of Creation. Despite our scientific advancements and philosophical inquiries, there are fundamental realities, like the essence of the Ruh, that remain beyond our grasp. The purpose of this humility is not to discourage seeking knowledge, but to guide it, reminding us to focus on what benefits our spiritual and worldly lives, and to accept with faith what the Creator has chosen to keep as His unique domain of knowledge. It teaches us that some truths are meant to be accepted on faith, fostering a deeper reverence for the infinite wisdom of Allah.
Sources: al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Baghawi (Maalim al-Tanzil), al-Tabari (Jami al-Bayan), Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran), Ma'arif al-Quran (Mufti Shafi), Ibn Kathir
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Isra 17:85 is discussed in 8 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Al-Isra 17:85 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.