Our History

Since its inception, Ruh has been devoted to the timeless craft of perfumery, creating pure, luxurious fragrances and attars that capture the essence of life’s most profound moments. Each bottle is more than just a scent; it’s a story — one that lingers on the skin and in the heart, best told in the soft curve of the neck or the pulse of the wrist.

There are the fragrances that transport you to distant lands or draw you back to the warmth of a cherished memory. Some scents are fleeting, like the joy of a summer’s day, while others become part of you, accompanying you through the years. Each one, like the moments that shape us — the whispered promises, the bursts of laughter, the memories that take us back to another time — is a fragment of your story.

These are the scents of your soul. Pure. Authentic. Unforgettable. With Ruh, every fragrance tells a part of your journey.

Our Origin Story

Zubair Islam, the visionary behind Ruh. His roots, steeped in the tradition of perfumery, trace back to a time when his forefathers traveled across vast distances and dense forests on horseback, their scent as much a part of them as the land they roamed. These were men of distinction — their keen sense of smell honed by years of creating rare, potent perfumes that could capture the soul of the land itself. Their travels were not just across territories, but through time, gathering wisdom and rare ingredients to craft attars that were considered treasures, whispered about in royal courts and bustling bazaars alike.

As a child, Zubair would sit at the feet of his elders, learning the sacred rituals of distillation and the careful blending of oils. He would listen to stories of his ancestors, whose hands had shaped the perfumes of kings and conquerors, and whose legacy was carried across generations like the passing of a torch. But it wasn’t just the skill that Zubair inherited; it was the passion, the reverence for the craft, and the deep understanding that perfume is not merely a fragrance — it is an essence, a spirit that tells a story.

Stories

Mohammed Zaheer ul Islam, was a visionary and a titan in the world of fragrance. Born in the historic city of Kannauj, India — often regarded as the fragrance capital of the world — MZI's legacy is deeply intertwined with the rich traditions of perfumery that date back centuries. Known for his unparalleled expertise in sandalwood, MZI became a giant in the industry, controlling the entire sandalwood oil market during his time.

A man of integrity and innovation, MZI transformed the art of distillation and perfumery with his meticulous approach and commitment to quality. He was a pioneer in sourcing and extracting the finest sandalwood oil, which became the cornerstone of his business. Under his leadership, his name became synonymous with purity and excellence, and his oils were in high demand across the globe — from the royal courts of the Middle East to the bustling markets of South Asia.

MZI’s rise to prominence, however, was not a solitary journey. He was profoundly supported by his mother, Salima Islam, a strong and intelligent woman in her own right. A skilled businesswoman, Salima was deeply involved in the fragrance trade and played a key role in shaping the family’s fortunes. With her sharp acumen and deep understanding of the market, she was the backbone of MZI’s success. 

MZI's legacy lives on through his son, Zubair Islam, the founder of Ruh — a brand that continues the family tradition of excellence in perfumery. It was under the guidance of that Zubair learned the value of quality, craftsmanship, and the importance of carrying forward a rich heritage.