The souls that met before

Recent EEG studies involving clinically dead patients with zero heart rate or blood pressure revealed a surge of high-frequency gamma synchrony lasting 30 to 90 seconds after clinical death. EEG or Electroencephalogram is a medical test that measures and records the electrical activity of the brain using small, metal discs (electrodes) placed on the scalp. Dr. Stuart Hameroff, an American anesthesiologist and professor at the University of Arizona known for his studies of consciousness believes this may represent consciousness or a “quantum soul” departing the body.

The Orch‑OR (Orchestrated Objective Reduction) model developed by Roger Penrose & Stuart Hameroff posits that quantum computations in neuronal microtubules create consciousness. If true, it suggests consciousness could, in principle, exist independently of the brain—a framework sometimes presented as scientific grounding for the soul. So does a recent paper from Shanghai University support the concept of neural synchronization, hinting at a role for quantum phenomena in consciousness, though the hypothesis is preliminary and controversial? This brings the concept of a separate, immortal soul within the purview of scientific investigation.

The concept of the soul also known as Nafs or Ruh in Arabic is central to understanding human existence, both in this world and the hereafter. An interesting narration of Hadith, commonly paraphrased as “Souls are like conscripted soldiers; those that recognized one another will be friendly with one another, and those that did not will turn away from each other,” opens a window into a deeper metaphysical reality. This narration is brief but layered with theological, philosophical, and psychological implications.

The metaphor “enlisted or conscripted soldiers’ seemingly suggests an organized, pre-worldly realm in which souls were grouped, perhaps based on spiritual affinity or divine decree, implying that human connections are not entirely random but may be rooted in pre-earthly experiences.

As interpreted by some scholars, there seems a pre-temporal familiarity among souls during the time of the Primordial Covenant before their worldly embodiment, possibly recognizing or interacting with one another. So is the inclination of souls toward or away from one another in this life a reflection of that pre-existing harmony or discord. Those with similar virtues or vices are inclined toward each other. In other words, the good attracts the good, and the wicked attract the wicked.

This also resonates with some modern concepts in psychology. People often experience “instant connections” or what we call “gut feelings” about others, sometimes without any rational explanation. These connections are often attributed to shared values, emotional compatibility, or subconscious cues. From an Islamic perspective, this Hadith offers a spiritual lens to explain such experiences. The souls may already be familiar with one another beyond the confines of time and space.

It also explains why some people feel naturally drawn to certain individuals and feel unease or distance with others, even before any interactions take place. These phenomena are often described as “vibes” or “energy” in secular terms.

Similarly, the compatibility in marriage and friendships may be deeply spiritual. While practical considerations remain important, this Hadith implies that some of the most fulfilling relationships are rooted in soul-level connections.

The souls, not born but called to meet,

By time’s soft hand and fate’s still feet.

They wandered far through veils and flame,

Yet knew each other all the same.

Not flesh nor form, but light they knew,

A sacred bond that time can’t undo.

Their eyes did meet — the silence spoke,

And something ancient there awoke.

A pull, a thread, unseen, divine,

Woven deep in love’s design.

Not lust, not need, but something more —

A truth they’d touched in lives before.

The stars leaned close to watch them dance,

The wind knelt still, entranced by chance.

No vow was made, no contract signed,

Just souls entwined beyond the mind.

Each heartbeat sang a prayer unspoken,

Each touch a sign that none were broken.

The world could tremble, fall, and spin,

But love like this burns bright within.

So when you meet one soul so true,

Who feels like home and mirrors you,

Know this: you have found the sacred thread

Where heaven and earth gently wed.

The Hadith also offers comfort in understanding unexplainable interpersonal conflict. Sometimes, despite best efforts, harmony cannot be achieved. The Hadith reminds believers that not all relationships are meant to be; some misalignments might be beyond the scope of reason.

While profound, this Hadith has a lot of scope to be misused to justify biases, premature judgments, or exclusion. Some might use it to validate baseless dislikes or snap judgments. However, scholars caution against interpreting it in a way that contradicts the essence of divine teachings based on justice, kindness, and the importance of giving people the benefit of the doubt.

The Hadith is descriptive, not prescriptive. It does not justify rudeness, tribalism, or division but rather helps explain the mysterious workings of the human heart, offering a window into the metaphysical and spiritual dimensions of human interaction. Whether interpreted as a literal pre-earthly event or as a metaphor for inner disposition, it provides valuable insight into the nature of relationships, affinity, and destiny.

For the believer, it reinforces the idea that life is not a series of coincidences, but a divinely orchestrated journey in which even our friendships and enmities may have roots in the unseen. In a world often governed by surface-level interactions, this Hadith invites reflection on the soul-level connections that shape our lives.

Dr. Qudsia Gani, Assistant Professor and Head Dept. of Physics, GDC, Pattan Baramulla