Episode 13: Twin Souls and Soul Mates

One Comment

1. 

   blisz 22 May 2010

   Bismillah,
   asalamu alaikum

   there is a quote I’ve read attributed to aristotle which states, “A true friend is one soul in two bodies”. I’ve also read something very similar as a hadeeth attributed to imam Ali (As), but haven’t seen a reference for it. I have also read the Prophet (saw) stating this was the case with him and imam Ali (as). this would match your definition of twin souls, and also qualify it somewhat: friendship requires people to have some knowledge of each other. The theoretical possibility of a pair of twin souls who had never met (and will never meet) may sound reasonable, but is without any purpose so one must ask if it is in accordance with Wisdom for the Creator to arrange such a thing? I personally believe based on this that twin souls, if made, must meet each other at some time. although I suppose the argument may stand that this time could be after death.

   One small comment about soulmates, I would put your ideas slightly differently: if both parties in a relationship (based on some kind of spark) work hard to perfect their morals and character, they would be “perfect for each other” and thus fit both the eastern and western ideas of soulmates. However if one or both parties have poor manners, or are self-centred, inconsiderate, narcissistic or childish as the west often encourages adults to be, the couple will not be able to fit either the western or eastern ideas of soulmates — the relationship will disintegrate on all levels without 2 understanding and considerate participants who (most of the time at least) try to put the other before themselves.

   The most tragic breakups I have seen are when one party is considerate, but the other is the complete opposite and refuse to acknowledge it or see the pain they are causing. In that case, sadly, not only is divorce necessary, but also inevitable — from the very first moments of the relationship.

   incidentally, there is nothing theoretically stopping twin souls also being soul mates, for a given lucky couple… wouldnt the qualification of twin souls encompass the definition of soulmate if both parties were religious? I’d like to think this is the case sometimes

   with salam.