A grim thing for most people to think of, but it is something that any "spiritual" individual must try at least once.
I believe that I have a soul, that everything that exists actually has a soul, whatever the true definition of said "soul" may be. Furthermore, I believe that this soul that is contained within everything in creation is a gift from The Almighty, from God, from Allah. This gift of a soul is what links us to the eternal, what brings our present into the past and the future. However, when I think about it, I don't believe that Rahim Shivji will live forever in any way, shape or form. My identity, my sense of self, everything that is ME will only exist for as long as I am alive. It's a bit sad to think of, but each one of us is a unique piece of creation. From eternity until eternity, there will never be another me, there may be an individual with similar or even identical DNA, there may be individuals who look the same, who think in a similar manner, but there will never be a second me. This is because "I" am comprised of biological matter, ideas, thoughts, beliefs, opinions, and all of these things are multiplied in their complexity because every person who has interacted with me has contributed a small piece to who I am.
My soul is eternal, there is something within me that is pure, holy, and beautiful that will exist for all time... but my persona, is definitely not the same thing.
Now having said this, I do feel that the soul is definitely impacted and influenced by me. My actions play a role on my soul's existence, but what role could this possibly be?
I am unable to interact with my soul, my true interactions with the spiritual lie in meditation, prayer and thought, but physical interaction is impossible. However, I know that I will be held accountable for my actions during my life. There is to be a reckoning at some period in time with the All-Merciful, (see how I bring up the "Mercy" trait when I mention judgment? Well played Rahim). What will this judgment entail? How can my eternal soul be held accountable for these actions when said soul is not truly mine to begin with?
The soul doesn't belong to you... this is one reason why I chuckle whenever I hear or watch a story about someone "selling their soul." The notion is preposterous, how can you bring the esoteric to the material level in such a way... and how can you sell something that isn't yours?
Now I'm not sure how ownership of a soul would really work, but I do believe that I have no true claim over my soul. It is my humble opinion that the soul belongs only to God, and to God only will my soul one day return if that be His will.
When I die... I truly will be no more. I will cease to exist, because my "I" will only live as long as my thoughts, my ideas, my life.
So, here's to eternity... May it be blissful for all.