Alam-e-Arwah: We Are From It and We Are Returning to It
Md. Sadique Shaikh
MAQOLAT Journal of Islamic Studies October 22, 2026 DOI: 10.58355/maqolat.v4i4.240 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that Alam-e-Arwah, the pre-material realm of souls described in Qur'anic, Hadith, and classical Islamic sources, is foundational to Islamic metaphysics and bears on how human consciousness, existence, and the soul's return to Allah are understood. The author also proposes that existence might be conceived as a divine simulation or metaphysical projection. |
Abstract
The concept of Alam-e-Arwah (The Realm of Souls) occupies a profound and foundational position in Islamic metaphysics. It refers to a pre-material, pre-worldly dimension where all human souls existed in a state of pure consciousness before entering physical bodies. This paper explores the Qur'anic, Hadith-based, and classical Islamic scholarly perspectives on Alam-e-Arwah, examines its ontological status in relation to space-time and the created universe, and discusses its implications for understanding human consciousness, existence, and ultimate return to Allah. The paper also highlights cross-disciplinary insights involving metaphysics, cosmology, and consciousness studies, concluding with reflections on the nature of existence as a possible divine simulation or metaphysical projection.