The Divine Name al-Quddus
Holiness as purity and transcendence: Al-Quddus means: absolutely pure, free of all deficiency, transcending all limitation. It encompasses both tanzih (negative theology — what Allah is not: not like creation, not limited, not comparable) and taqdis as an act — the recognition and proclamation of this purity. The angels’ taqdis is not mere verbal formula but the recognition of a reality they see directly: Allah’s absolute purity as He turns toward creation.
Ruh al-Quds — the Holy Spirit: The same root appears as Ruh al-Quds (the Holy Spirit) — mentioned in the Quran as supporting Isa (Jesus) and as the angel Jibril in some interpretations. The quds of the Ruh connects holiness with the prophetic spirit: the prophetic function is holy because it is a pure channel of divine communication.
See also: Tawhid Divine Unity, Asma Al Husna, Nubuwwa, Al Ruh, Al Jalal Wal Jamal
Human Taqdis
The sanctification of creation: Human taqdis is not declaring ourselves holy but recognizing Allah’s holiness and allowing that recognition to transform our lives. The Quran describes the taqdis of the Quran itself: ‘Indeed, it is a noble Quran, in a Register well-protected — none touch it except the purified (al-mutahharun).’ (56:77-79) — the purified who touch the Quran are those whose taqdis of Allah has made them fit for contact with the holy text.
Ismaili taqdis of the Imam: In Ismaili theology, the Imam’s sanctity (qudsiyya) is not his own but the divine holiness manifesting through him as hujja. Recognizing the Imam’s qudsiyya is a form of taqdis — acknowledging where divine holiness is presently manifested in the world.
See also: Taharah, Wudu, Understanding Walayah, Imamah, Wali Al Asr, Tawil Esoteric Interpretation
See also: Tawhid Divine Unity, Asma Al Husna, Nubuwwa, Al Ruh, Al Jalal Wal Jamal, Taharah, Wudu, Understanding Walayah, Imamah, Wali Al Asr, Tawil Esoteric Interpretation