The state of human beings at the time of that initial birth is referred to as Aalam-e-Arwah. Also called the Realm of Souls, the actual definition of Aalam-e-Arwah is the time spent by humans in another world, before coming down to this earth.
Narrated Aishah (ra):
الأَرْوَاحُ جُنُودٌ مُجَنَّدَةٌ، فَمَا تَعَارَفَ مِنْهَا ائْتَلَفَ، وَمَا تَنَاكَرَ مِنْهَا اخْتَلَفَ "
I heard the Prophet (ﷺ), "Souls are like recruited troops: Those who are like qualities are inclined to each other, but those who have dissimilar qualities, differ."
Sahih al-Bukhari 3336
In-book : Book 60 (Prophets), Hadith 11
The phrase 'souls are like recruited troops' can be better explained by Al Khattabi's¹ narration where he (and others) said that the connection with one another has to do with how the souls are made in different groups (troops) which are decreed by Allah from before our birth, and when they meet in this physical world (recruited), good souls will be inclined towards other good souls, and evil souls will be inclined towards other evil souls. Because Allah has put similar attributes into the groups of souls, they get along with each other in this world and find comfort in each other's presence. This is what you call soulmates. It sounds like a made-up concept to feed one's delusions, but it is true.
Recently, a friend and I were talking about how grateful we are to have met each other which eventually brought up the topic of Aalam-e-Arwah and we both got excited at the mention. (yes, it was a wholesome conversation and I can't stop thinking about it). I decided to write on the topic as I felt inspired thanks to her.
Of course, the Realm of Souls is not in our memory, we do not remember the event of taking the covenant², any interaction we had with other souls, or being 'recruited' into this world. But even with our lost memories, if we meet a soul in this world which is similar in nature to ours, we will feel closer to them, we will understand them, we might love them and feel a connection. These beloved people are who we call our friends and family. This love is thanks to the recognition and past experiences our souls had in Aalam-e-Arwah.
How beautiful is it that before we were in our mothers womb, we were in the Realm of Souls where we liked certain souls more than others. Where we found so much comfort being with those souls that we tried to look for them in this world. We may have forgotten the memory of living in Aalam-e-Arwah, but the impact, the feel, the influence the similar souls had on us was not forgotten.
For example, you may have forgotten the name of your friend in 3rd grade but you still remember that they helped you find your class on your first day. Or perhaps you don't remember the face of the girl who stopped the bus for you when you were running late but you are still grateful that they were kind to you. Similarly, you may not remember the life you lived in Aalam-e-Arwah but your soul still feels the connection when it finds its old friend in your new friend.
If we didn't have these friends in our life, it would be quite empty. Allah put us in groups before we were born so we could find each other in this world again, so we wouldn't be lonely, so we would have something to live for, someone to talk to, someone to love. This is Rizq³; the divinely ordained blessing. The understanding, support, acceptance, and love between friends is one of the purest forms of love. I chose you in the Realm of Souls, I chose you here, and I will choose you in Jannah.
May Allah protect and bless our friendships. May Allah strengthen the bonds we have with them. May Allah allow us to enter and see them in Jannah, alongside us.
Ameen.
¹: Imam Abu Sulayman Hamd ibn Muhammad Al Khattabi Al Busti (rahimahullah) was a Shafi’i Muhaddith, born approximately in 310 A.H and passed away in Rabi’ul Akhir in the year 388 A.H. From among his teachers were Abu Bakr ibn Dasah; a narrator of Sunan Abi Dawud. As one of the most intelligent scholars of his time, he has authored several books and was the first to write a commentary on Sahih Bukhari.
²: It is believed that in Aalam-e-Arwah, a covenant was made between Allah and all human souls. This event is mentioned in the Qur'an in Surah Al-A'raf (7:172):
"(Recall) when your Lord brought forth their progeny from the loins of the children of ’Ādam, and made them testify about themselves (by asking them,) “Am I not your Lord?” They said, “Of course, You are. We testify.” (We did so) lest you should say on the Day of Judgment, “We were unaware of this,"
³: Rizq includes not only material possessions such as food, wealth, and shelter but also intangible blessings like friendships, knowledge, good health, opportunities, and guidance. Islam teaches us that rizq is predetermined by Allah SWT and given according to His will.
Subahallah! This post is so wholesome to read. Left me with a feeling of awe at the workings of Almighty Allah swt!
I just wrote a post about Rizq and came across your newsletter while scrolling. This is the post that caught my eye.. Subhanallah! Beautifully written!
I love the ability you have of encapsulating complex examples and relating it to the most normal tasks. Beautifully written and wonderfully explain