Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "The spirits are massed armies. Those of them that knew one another are friendly. Those that did not know one another disagree."
Consequences: Commentary on Hadith from Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 901
This profound narration reported by Abu Hurayra and recorded in Imam al-Bukhari's "Al-Adab Al-Mufrad" (901) reveals the subtle realities of spiritual affinity and discord among human souls.
The Nature of Spirits as "Massed Armies"
The phrase "massed armies" (junūdun mujannadah) indicates that spirits in their primordial realm were created in groups and formations, similar to military battalions. This refers to the world of spirits (ʿālam al-arwāḥ) where souls were created before their descent into physical bodies.
Ibn Hajar al-ʿAsqalānī explains that this demonstrates the pre-existing relationships between souls, which manifest as natural inclinations and compatibility in worldly life.
Spiritual Recognition and Affinity
"Those that knew one another are friendly" refers to the natural harmony and mutual attraction between souls that recognized each other in their pre-existent state. This explains why believers often feel immediate spiritual connection and brotherhood upon meeting.
Al-Qurṭubī states this hadith provides wisdom behind the ease with which righteous people form bonds and work together in goodness, as their spirits were already acquainted in the divine presence.
Spiritual Discord and Estrangement
"Those that did not know one another disagree" indicates that souls unfamiliar with each other in their original state naturally experience discord and lack of harmony. This manifests as discomfort, disagreement, or inability to cooperate in worldly matters.
Ibn al-Qayyim elaborates that this spiritual law operates regardless of external similarities—explaining why sometimes people of similar backgrounds or interests nevertheless feel incompatible.
Practical Implications for Muslim Conduct
This teaching encourages Muslims to recognize spiritual connections as signs of divine wisdom and to cultivate relationships with those with whom they share spiritual affinity in righteousness.
It also teaches tolerance toward those with whom one feels natural discord, understanding this as part of Allah's predestination, while still maintaining basic Islamic etiquette and justice.
The ultimate lesson is to strive to be among the spirits that recognized Allah and His Messenger, thus naturally attracting righteous companionship in this world and the next.