■ Understanding Barzakh: The Interconnection of Body and Soul
In Barzakh, the relationship with fire directly affects the body, but the soul also experiences pain from it. Similarly, the pleasure derived from eating and drinking is experienced by the body, yet the soul also enjoys this pleasure.
In essence, within this world, the existence and conditions of a person are primarily physical, with the soul being subordinate. However, when we examine what the Qur’an and Hadith reveal about the realm of Barzakh, we understand that the situation will be quite the opposite. In that world, whatever good or bad experiences a person encounters will directly affect their soul, and the body will subsequently be impacted. Allah ﷻ perhaps established this reality in our understanding by providing a parallel in this world, which is the world of dreams.
Every intelligent person repeatedly experiences dreams in their life, where they either derive immense pleasure or endure significant pain. Yet, in dreams, this pleasure or pain is primarily for the soul, while the body is affected indirectly. For instance, if a person dreams they are eating a delicious meal, they don’t just perceive that their soul is consuming it. Instead, they experience the act as though they are physically eating, just as they would when awake. Likewise, if they dream of being harmed, they do not perceive it as just their soul being hurt; rather, they experience the sensation of being struck, just as they would in reality. Although what actually happens in dreams primarily impacts the soul, the body feels the effects as well.
In summary, the experiences of Barzakh will resonate deeply with the individual, reflecting the consequences of their actions during their worldly life.
Aal-e-Qutub Aal-e-Syed Abdullah Shah Ghazi 