Author: Abu Ayesha
Resurrection after Death (part 19)
Introduction: In the previous section, we discussed those who absolutely deny resurrection (i.e., those who deny both bodily and spiritual resurrection). We learned that some people completely reject resurrection, while there are also groups who do not deny it entirely but reject only a part of it. Based on this, in this section of our research, we examine the nature of resurrection itself—whether it is bodily, spiritual, or both body and soul are returned together.
Different Schools Regarding Resurrection
It should be known that the deniers of resurrection are of various types: some reject it entirely; some deny life after death and instead believe in the transmigration of souls [1]; and some differentiate between the soul and the body. Among them are those who affirm the former (spiritual resurrection) and deny the latter (bodily resurrection)—this is the view of most philosophers. Others have stated the opposite, affirming bodily resurrection—this is the view of most theologians. Still others hold different opinions that are far from the truth [2].
Research shows that there are five main opinions regarding resurrection. Imam al-Razi (RH) mentioned these five views; however, here we will discuss only two of them. The third opinion—sometimes attributed to Sunni theologians, claiming that they believe only in bodily resurrection—requires clarification, and we will address and refute this misunderstanding later. The two views are:
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Those who deny bodily resurrection and believe only in spiritual resurrection.
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Those who believe in both bodily and spiritual resurrection together.
Those Who Deny Bodily Resurrection and Affirm Only Spiritual Resurrection
A group of philosophers, despite the clarity of evidence and the consensus of all nations regarding belief in resurrection, deny bodily resurrection. They argue that the body is not restored; rather, only the soul returns, and all matters relate to the soul, not the body.
Their argument is that the human body completely perishes after death, and according to them, restoring something that has ceased to exist (i‘adat al-ma‘dum) is impossible. They claim that if something nonexistent were restored exactly, it would imply a contradiction, which they consider impossible [3].
Sheikh Abdul Rahman Hasan Hanbakah writes: Another group acknowledges the existence and oneness of the Creator and does not associate partners with Him, yet they deny bodily resurrection and believe only in a spiritual life after death. The reason for their denial is that they impose their own assumptions on unseen matters without paying attention to the realities explained by divine revelation.
Their argument is based on their understanding of divine justice. However, regarding their denial of bodily resurrection, they have no real proof except mere speculation that it seems unlikely to their intellect—or an incomplete assumption that full justice is achieved only after the soul separates from the body, and that no further life exists beyond this worldly life.[4]
Imam al-Ij (RH) states:
“All nations, from beginning to end, agree on the possibility and occurrence of the resurrection of bodies, while the philosophers have denied it.” [5]
Allamah Ibn Abi al-‘Izz al-Hanafi (RH) says: “The Qur’an mentions the return of the soul at death and the resurrection of the body on the Day of Judgment in many places. These philosophers deny the greater resurrection and bodily return.” [6]
Thus, theistic philosophers deny bodily resurrection and accept only spiritual resurrection, arguing that the body—with all its forms and characteristics—perishes and therefore cannot be restored [7].
Those Who Believe in Both Body and Soul Returning
It should be known that the nature of resurrection is one of the most fundamental topics of Islamic belief. Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama‘ah, in all their schools, agree on both bodily and spiritual resurrection.
There is strong and clear evidence proving that both the soul and the very body that dies and disintegrates will be restored. The One who was able to create it from nothing is certainly able to revive its decayed particles and scattered remains and bring humans back for reckoning—so that the righteous receive their reward and the wicked face their punishment. This truth is clearer than the sun.
Many Qur’anic verses and authentic hadiths affirm this reality, and in previous sections, we have already cited such evidence regarding the nature of resurrection.
Continues…
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References:
[1]. The topic of transmigration will be discussed in detail in later sections, God willing.
[2]. ‘Awaji, Dr. Ghalib bin Ali, Al-Hayat al-Akhirah, Vol. 1, p. 108.
[3]. Al-Rifa‘i, Safiyyah, Ithbat al-Ma‘ad wa Bayan Haqiqatih, 2020, p. 15.
[4]. Al-Maydani, ‘Abd al-Rahman Hasan Hanbakah, Al-‘Aqidah al-Islamiyyah wa Ususuha, p. 572.
[5]. ‘Awaji, op. cit., Vol. 1, p. 113.
[6]. Dimashqi, ‘Ali bin ‘Ala al-Din, Sharh al-‘Aqidah al-Tahawiyyah, p. 812.
[7]. Al-Muqaddam, Dr. Jihan Nur al-Din Muhammad, Al-Ma‘ad bayn al-Muthbitin wal-Munkirin, 2019, p. 1424.
