The Soul and Body as "Meaning and Word"

The exposition of the connection between the soul and the body has long attracted the attention of scholars. In a beautiful narration, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) likened the relationship between the soul and body to the connection between "meaning and word". In this writing, we aim to explore this analogy as a hypothesis concerning the relationship between the soul and body, utilizing prevalent linguistic and semiotic theories. An analytical, rational and comparative approach is employed. Hence, the primary question of this investigation is: What are the foundations and shared principles between these two connections (the connection between the soul and body on one hand, and the connection between meaning and word on the other)?This research aims to unveil the general principles shared between word and meaning, as well as soul and body. Principles that are explored include unreality and reality, immateriality and materiality, stability and change, inner and outer aspects, annihilation and subsistence, the originality of meaning and soul, and the subordination of word and body. Furthermore, the transfer of ugliness and beauty between each of word and body, meaning and soul to one another and the layered nature of meaning and soul are explored.