Hearts Are Connected; Souls Are Entwined

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 30 July 2025 Today (July 30) is the birth anniversary of Emily Brontë, an English writer best known for her 1847 novel, Wuthering Heights. Two of her famous observations will never lose their relevance: " Treachery and violence are spears pointed at both ends; they wound those who resort to them, worse than their enemies " AND " Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same." In the first quote, Emily Brontë is highlighting the destructive nature of treachery and violence. She suggests that those who employ these tactics ultimately end up harming themselves more than their intended victims. By using treachery and violence as weapons, individuals are not only inflicting pain and suffering on others, but they are also damaging their own integrity and well-being. Brontë's powerful imagery of spears pointed at both ends symbolizes the cyclical and self-defeating nature of these negative behaviours. Ultimately, this quote serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of choosing kindness and compassion over deceit and aggression in any conflict. Urdu scholar and writer Mohammad Husain Azad (1830-1910) rightly stated, "Takhreeb Aur Talkhi Woh Teer Hain Jo Chalane Wale Ko Bhi Zakhmi Kar Dete Hain " (Violence and bitterness are the arrows that pierce and wound both). What Hamas did on October 7, 2023 backfired and harmed both Israel and Palestine. In fact, the latter suffered much more and is still suffering, much to the dismay of the 'civilised' world. In the second quote by Emily Brontë, she beautifully captures the essence of true love and connection between two souls. She suggests that there is a deep bond between two individuals that transcends physical and emotional boundaries, and it's felt on a spiritual level. The idea that two souls are made of the same material conveys a sense of unity and harmony, as if they are destined to be together. This quote speaks to the idea of soulmates and highlights the profound understanding and connection that can exist between two people who are truly meant to be together. Philosophically speaking, not just two souls or individuals but all souls; all humans are interconnected. "Hearts are connected; souls are entwined/ The same essence resides; same spirit will bind" (Reynold A Nicholson's translation of a 12th-century Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi's Pahlavi epic "Khamsa" or Panj Ganj (comprising five long poems; Quintet ). World is a huge family in which all humans are soulfully connected. Perceived differences are only at the surface level. Dr Muhammad Iqbal said it so beautifully, "Haqeeqat Ek Hai Har Shai Ki, Khaaki Ho Ya Noori/ Lahoo Khursheed Ka Tapke Agar Zarre Ka Dil Cheerein" (All objects are the same sans any difference falsely projected/ The blood of the sun oozes when the heart of a particle is vivisected). When we're all equal, why should there be so much inequality, violence and bloodshed? Maybe, humans are still not evolved and able to discern the essence of humanity. ----- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/hearts-souls-entwined/d/136347 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism