Solving the Contradiction of Bodily Resurrection in Avicenna’s Works

Abstract

One of the main issues in the Islamic religion is resurrection, which Muslim theologians and scholars have investigated in terms of how it occurs. An important aspect of the discussion on resurrection is whether it is spiritual or bodily. One of the religious certainties among Muslims is bodily resurrection, as many verses and traditions indicate it. Muslim scholars are so sure of this belief that some have considered those who deny bodily resurrection to be disbelievers. Meanwhile, what is problematic is Ibn Sina's theory about resurrection. Some, citing certain works of Ibn Sina, have considered him a believer in bodily resurrection, while others, citing the book al-Adhḥawiyyah, have considered him an opponent of bodily resurrection and have condemned him as a blasphemer. In some of his works, Ibn Sina has accepted bodily resurrection and defers the judgment on this matter to Sharia. However, in al-Adhḥawiyyah, he apparently clearly denies bodily resurrection and even considers it to be against rational arguments. This article attempts to resolve the contradiction in Ibn Sina's views in Al-Adhḥawiyyah and his other works using an analytical, library-based methodology.

Keywords

• : ibn sina
• al-adhḥawiyyah
• bodily resurrection
• spiritual resurrection
• reincarnation