ACCOUNTABILITY AND THE CYCLE OF REBIRTH

PART 1
For a long time, the controversies over the cycle of rebirth is still a concerning
issue. This is because the phenomenon is one that relates to many fields of
study and thus can only be examined using a multi-disciplinary approach.

Philosophy alone cannot guarantee the truth because it does not produce
certainty. The truth, consequently, can only be attained by using independent
research methods and keeping aside the uncertified traditional practice.

Inserting own ideas and metaphorical philosophy in the interpretation of the

Quran is out of the question and not needed.

And indeed, We have eased the Qur'an in your tongue that they might be
reminded (44/58)

It is indisputable that some Muslims strongly embrace and believe in the cycle
of rebirth. Such Muslims supports their claim with Qur’an 56:61. Surat Al-
Wāqi`ah (The Inevitable) - ‫ال واق عة ورةس‬

We have decreed death among you, and We are not to be outdone (56/60)

In that We will change your likenesses and produce you in that form which you do not
know. (56/61)

Similarly, whereas the majority of exponents of rebirth affirm that rebirth

occurs in the human body, others who are in minority opine that it may occur
also in other living creatures such as insects, animals, fish and plants.

Generally speaking, the rationale for rebirth varies from one traditional society
to another as well as from traditional metaphysical viewpoint to religious
metaphysics. About one-third of Europeans who believe in ‘scientific’ rebirth
affirm that it guarantees a new positive occasion for achievement since one
life is too short; that it gives room for one to correct the mistakes of the
previous existence and thus serves as an antidote to the crisis of life.
Plato wrote in his Phaedrus that “ten thousand years must elapse before the
soul of each one can return to the place from where she came. Only the soul of
the righteous persons can get back to its original state in less time”.
Interestingly, Plato’s remark presupposes that it takes a righteous soul lesser
time to cease from rebirth and vice versa.

More importantly, various cues have been advanced by exponents of rebirths

as proof for it. These are deformity at birth or birthmarks and manifestation of
some skills or qualities deemed possessed by the ancestral parents such as
memory transfer, family resemblance and behavioural pattern.

Man is a bi-component creature. His origin is clay (for Adam) and water (i.e.
semen; for Adam’s progenies). In the process of creation, Allah breathed His
Spirit into Adam (15: 29, 32: 7-9, 38: 72)

Although majority of scholars have conceptualised Ruh as soul and even

interpreted it in the various verses of the Quran where it appears as angel
Gabriel, Prophet ‘Isa (Jesus), an angel of immense size, revelation, Quran and
human soul among others. A careful study of the verses of the Quran on Nafs
and Ruh reveals that Allah uses in respect of each three connotations. Nafs is
used to connote physical body (a human being), a spirit, and a man’s psyche
(mind).

Death:
Death is the separation of the soul from the body which is an irreversible
cessation of life in any appointed term. As soon as the soul is separated from
the body, man is dead. Death is an inevitable phenomenon, of which the exact
time is not only unpredictable but also is beyond human control. It is a debt
which every person must pay. Imam al-Ghazali and Allama Iqbal perceives
death as a transformation from one state to another.

Allah says death is certain and that every person and living soul must
experience it (Q3:185, 21:35)

Allah has predetermined the life span of every living soul. (6:2)

It is He who created you from clay and then decreed a term and a specified
time [known] to Him; then [still] you are in dispute.
 And it is not [possible] for one to die except by permission of Allah at a decree
determined. And whoever desires the reward of this world - We will give him
thereof; and whoever desires the reward of the Hereafter - We will give him
thereof. And we will reward the grateful. (3:145)

More importantly, it is worth mentioning that it is not only a man’s life

span that is predetermined but also the place and time of death as well
as the nature of his death, as evident in Surat Luqmān (Luqman) - ‫سورة‬
‫( ل قمان‬31: 34)

Indeed, Allah [alone] has knowledge of the Hour and sends down the rain and
knows what is in the wombs. And no soul perceives what it will earn tomorrow,
and no soul perceives in what land it will die. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and
Acquainted.

Meanwhile, it should be noted that death occurs once on righteous people.

Allah says in a clear, unambiguous term (44/56). “They will not taste death
therein except the first death, and He will have protected them from the
punishment of Hellfire”
Then, are we not to die (37/58)

Except for our first death, and we will not be punished?" (37/59)

Essentially, this order of ‘First Death’ is for the righteous and their
companions only. Non-believers and those who are not righteous do not come
under this category because single death is conditional and will be given to
those who will not be punished. Please also see the following verses:

[And mention] when the angels said, "O Mary, indeed Allah gives you good
tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of
Mary - distinguished in this world and the Hereafter and among those brought
near [to Allah ]. (3/45)

And whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger - those will be with the ones
upon whom Allah has bestowed favour of the prophets, the steadfast affirmers
of truth, the martyrs and the righteous. And excellent are those as
companions. (4/69)

And if the deceased was of those brought near to Allah, (56/88)

And if he was of the companions of the right, (56/90)

Then [for him is] rest and bounty and a garden of pleasure. (56/89)

Indeed, this is the great attainment. (37/60)

Those who do not fit in the desired criteria they will be given a task of
‘example work’ on the Earth to attain the required level of the deeds to enter
the paradise.

For the like of this let the workers [on earth] work. (37/61)

Those who will not progress to enter paradise, they will be punished according
to their deeds and returned back to Earth in new bodies (Resurrection) for
another appointed time. If they attain the status of a righteous person by their
good deeds they will enter paradise upon their death. If not then they will be
sent back to the world until they attain the desired level of progress into
paradise.

Quran has mentioned three categories of people in respect of accountability.

And you become [of] three kinds. (56/7)

These categories are mentioned in the Quran again and again and I have also
briefly explained in the above paragraphs.
1- People who are close to Allah (Prophets, their companions and martyrs may
fall in this category)

2- Righteous people

3- Non-believers and wrong doers.

People who belong to the 1 st and 2nd categories may progress to the next life in
paradise after their First Death. However, people in the 3rd category will be
sent back (reborn) to the world for a further appointed term (age) as a
punishment which will be given according to their deeds and of course in
accordance with the natural laws of ‘cause and effect’. The Quran clearly says
that they have ignited this fire by their own doing in which they will dwell.

Is it you who makes it grow, or are We the grower? (56/64)

And have you seen that which you sow? (56/63)

And have you seen the fire that you ignite? (56/71)

But if he was of the deniers [who were] astray, (56/92)

And burning in Hellfire (56/94) Rebirth Cycle is mentioned by 'every time

changing their skins (bodies)'
Indeed, those who disbelieve in Our verses - We will drive them into a Fire.
Every time their skins are roasted through We will replace them with other
skins so they may taste the punishment. Indeed, Allah is ever Exalted in Might
and Wise. (4/56)

Now, the Quran explains about the wrongdoer’s physical remand and sentence
which is only possible if they will be reborn and send back to the world in a
physical form.

And the companions of the left - what are the companions of the left? (56/41)

[They will be] in scorching fire and scalding water (56/42)

And a shade of black smoke, (56/43)

Neither cool nor beneficial. (56/44)

Past Life is referred in the following verses:

Indeed they were, before that, indulging in affluence, (56/45)

And they used to persist in the great violation, (56/46)

And they used to say, "When we die and become dust and bones, are we
indeed to be resurrected? (56/47)

But when We removed the punishment from them until a term which they were
to reach, then at once they broke their word. (7/135)

PUNISHMENT IN THE NEXT WORLDLY LIFE WILL NOT END HERE, IT MAY BE
EXTENDED TO CHANGING THEIR FORM ACCORDING TO THE SEVERITY OF
THEIR WRONG DOINGS.

In that We will change your likenesses and produce you in that form which you
do not know. (56/61)

And you had already known about those who transgressed among you
concerning the Sabbath, and We said to them, "Be apes, despised." (2/65)

I can understand your feelings very well, because my article is clashing with
our current belief but unfortunately this is the bitter truth whether we accept it
or not. However, this is a crucial and essential part of our belief to believe in
the ‘last day of judgment’ in the same way as it is written in the Quran. We
have left traditional books of Hadith due to the fact that they do not match with
what is written in the Quran but we are not ready to change our orthodox
thoughts which are indeed inspired by the same obsolete books and man-
made philosophy.
I’ve started writing this article after many years of extensive research and
within the course of my research, I have discussed this with many learned
people and scholars of the Quran. For my forthcoming article, I have gathered
more useful information and materials to go into further depth which I will put
into logical words in the light of the Quran.

I have no fear in the slightest, if people class me as a non-believer due to my

work but I will complete my mission to bring out the concealed truth.

Dr Kashif Khan