The Breath of Life: An Islamic Perspective
The concept of the “breath of life” is not exclusive to Judeo-Christian tradition; it is also deeply rooted in Islamic theology.
In Islam, this concept underscores the sanctity of life and the intimate involvement of God (Allah) in the creation of human
beings. Here, we explore the Islamic perspective on the breath of life, drawing from the Quran and Hadith to understand
its profound significance.
Quranic Foundations
Creation of Adam:
The Quran recounts the creation of Adam in a manner similar to the Biblical narrative. In Surah Al-Hijr (15:28-29), it is stated:
“And [mention, O Muhammad], when your Lord said to the angels,
‘I will create a human being out of clay from an altered black mud. And when I have proportioned him
and breathed into him of My [created] soul, then fall down to him in prostration.'”
This passage highlights that Allah breathed His spirit into Adam, transforming clay into a living being.
This divine breath is what animates and gives life to the first human.
Life in the Womb:
The Quran also emphasizes Allah’s role in the creation and development of human life in the womb.
In Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:12-14), it states:
“And certainly did We create man from an extract of clay. Then We placed him as a sperm-drop in a firm lodging.
Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump [of flesh], and We made
[from] the lump, bones, and We covered the bones with flesh; then We developed him into another creation.
So blessed is Allah, the best of creators.”
This passage underscores the stages of human development and Allah’s direct involvement in each stage,
culminating in the breathing of life into the developing fetus.
Theological Interpretation
Sanctity of Life:
In Islam, the breath of life signifies the sacredness of human life. The divine breath imbues human beings with a soul,
reflecting the special status of humans among Allah’s creations. This sanctity implies that life must be
respected and protected.
Divine Immanence:
The belief in the breath of life highlights Allah’s immanence—His presence and active participation in
the creation and sustenance of life. It signifies that every human being is under Allah’s care and guidance from
the moment of conception.
Spiritual Significance:
The breath of life in Islamic thought encompasses not just physical existence but also spiritual essence.
The soul (ruh) given by Allah is what makes humans unique and capable of moral and spiritual awareness.
Cultural and Moral Implications
Respect for Life:
The sanctity of life in Islam has significant moral and ethical implications.
It influences Islamic views on various issues, including abortion, medical ethics, and end-of-life care.
Life is considered sacred from the moment of ensoulment, generally believed to occur at 120 days after conception,
based on a Hadith.
Purpose and Destiny:
Believing that each life is divinely breathed into existence instills a sense of purpose and destiny.
Every individual is part of Allah’s greater plan, and this belief fosters a deep sense of responsibility and moral accountability.
Celestial Sustenance: A Metaphorical Parallel
Imagine a scene where dusk reveals a vast expanse of stars, with a radiant light descending gently,
casting a mystical hue upon everything it touches. In a hidden nook of the cosmos, a singular ray of
celestial light descends like a luminous waterfall, creating a sacred niche filled with cosmic harmony.
In this ethereal space, time seems to suspend, allowing for deep introspection and connection with the universe.
Within this niche lies a slumbering figure, a man drawing sustenance not from earthly sources but from
the ethereal light that bathes him. This celestial nourishment revitalizes his spirit, infusing him with peace and rejuvenation.
This scene beautifully mirrors the theological concept of the “breath of life.” Just as the man draws sustenance
from the celestial light, every human being receives the divine breath of life, imbuing our existence with sacred
significance and eternal purpose. It also emphasizes that while the sustenance we receive from the earth—food, water, and air
is essential for our physical survival, it is not our primary source of life. Our true sustenance comes
from the divine breath that animates and sustains our very being.
Conclusion
The “breath of life” in Islam is a profound theological concept that conveys the idea of life as a divine gift from Allah.
Rooted in Quranic revelations, this concept reinforces the sanctity of life,
the intimate involvement of Allah in the creation process, and the belief in the soul’s divine origin.
It shapes Islamic perspectives on human dignity, purpose, and the value of life from its earliest stages.
Recognizing this divine gift calls us to honor the sanctity of life and the profound mystery of our existence,
celebrating the divine craftsmanship involved in our creation. It also reminds us that our true sustenance is
not merely from the physical world but from the divine breath that gives us life and purpose.