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The Eternal Soul and the First Yes to Allah
Light of the soul ascending through realms of creation
The Soul That Never Dies
Before your body ever took form, your soul was created fully aware, fully known.
And from the moment it came into being, it would never truly die again.
It would pass through stages, but never end.
Death in this world is not the end of life. It is a transfer a passage from one reality to the next.
As Allah says:
“Do not think of those who are killed in the path of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision.”
The soul lives on through the womb, this world, the grave, and into eternity. Every transition is a continuation, not a conclusion.
The Bonds That Came Before
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Souls are like gathered troops; those that knew each other before, recognize each other again.”
That is why sometimes, when you meet someone for the first time, there’s a flicker of recognition you cannot explain. It’s as if your soul remembers them because it does.
Before this life, the souls were placed near one another. Those that shared closeness there often find each other again here as friends, family, teachers, or companions in faith.
The affection you feel for certain people runs deeper than this lifetime.
It began long before you even took your first breath.
And when we meet someone who feels “familiar,” perhaps that is not coincidence, but reunion, a reminder from the unseen that love is older than life itself.
You Chose This Story
What’s even more beautiful is this: before sending you into this world, Allah showed you you.
He showed you what you would look like, the life you would live, the joys and struggles you would face, and the heart you would carry. He showed you your strengths and your flaws, your triumphs and your tests.
And you said yes.
You accepted this life, this version of yourself, not because you were perfect, but because you trusted the One who created you.
You loved what He showed you.
You believed that this story, with all its difficulties and light, was worthy of being lived.
As Allah reminds us in the timeless covenant:
“When your Lord took from the children of Adam from their loins their descendants and made them testify concerning themselves, ‘Am I not your Lord?’ They said, ‘Yes, we testify.’”
That “yes” was your first act of faith, your first breath of purpose.
Remembering That First Yes
This world often makes us forget.
We get caught up in chasing, comparing, and proving ourselves.
We measure worth by what can be seen, not by what was written long before.
But remember: You were created by Perfection, and you were chosen with love.
So maybe today, pause for a moment. Acknowledge your soul. Show it some kindness.
You are not behind.
You are not broken.
You are exactly as Allah designed you to be.
And perhaps, when you quiet the noise of this world, you might hear the faint echo of that ancient promise your soul whispering once more:
“Yes, You are my Lord.”
Applying This Teaching to Our Personal Lives
1. Revive Your Soul with Dhikr
The Prophet ﷺ said,
“The example of the one who remembers Allah and the one who does not is like the living and the dead.”
Regular remembrance reawakens the soul’s awareness. Neuroscience shows that rhythmic repetition, like dhikr, activates calm states in the brain, reducing anxiety and strengthening focus.
2. Strengthen Bonds for Allah’s Sake
Revisit friendships that bring you closer to Allah. The Prophet ﷺ said,
“Where are those who loved one another for My glory? Today I will shade them in My shade.”
Such relationships, rooted in faith, are reflections of pre-eternal bonds.
3. Practice Self-Compassion
You chose this story, including its trials. Treat yourself with mercy. Studies show that self-compassion increases resilience and reduces shame.
Spiritually, mercy towards oneself mirrors Allah’s own Rahmah.
4. Reflect on Your Purpose
Spend a few quiet minutes daily asking, “What did I say yes to?” This simple act aligns your goals with divine intention, rewiring neural pathways for gratitude and meaning.
5. Pray for Soulful Companionship
Ask Allah to surround you with those whose souls once sat near yours in the Realm of Souls, companions who remind you of Him.
FAQ
1. What is the “Realm of Souls” in Islam?
It refers to ʿĀlam al-Arwāḥ, where souls were created and testified that Allah is their Lord (Qur’an 7:172).
2. Do souls really recognize one another in this life?
Yes, as stated in the hadith, certain souls that were close before creation feel affinity in this world.
3. Can the soul die?
No. The body dies, but the soul transitions through stages: the womb, this world, Barzakh, and the Hereafter.
4. How can we nurture our souls daily?
Through dhikr, Qur’an reflection, prayer, gratitude, and righteous companionship.
5. Is this concept metaphorical or literal?
Scholars affirm the pre-eternal covenant as literal, though the exact metaphysical details belong to the unseen (ghayb).
Footnotes
Davidson, R. J., & McEwen, B. S. (2012). Social influences on neuroplasticity: Stress and interventions to promote well-being. Nature Neuroscience.
Neff, K. D. (2011). Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself. HarperCollins.
Brewer, J. A. (2019). The Craving Mind. Yale University Press.
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