THE CONCEPT OF REINCARNATION IN MAN-MADE RELIGIONS AND ITS IMPACT ON REVEALED RELIGIONS AN ANALYTICAL STUDY

Abstract

This study explores the concept of reincarnation as presented in man-made (non-revealed) religions and investigates its influence on the doctrines of revealed religions. It particularly examines how certain reincarnation-related ideas have infiltrated sects and schools of thought that deviate from orthodox theological foundations. The research begins by establishing a linguistic and philosophical foundation of the concept, then proceeds to examine reincarnation in Eastern religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism, highlighting its association with karma and samsara and its role in shaping ethical behavior and human destiny. Furthermore, the study addresses the emergence of reincarnation-like beliefs within distorted versions of Judaism and Christianity, particularly in Kabbalistic and Gnostic traditions. The paper then critically discusses the Islamic position, which categorically rejects reincarnation, and refutes the interpretations used by its proponents. It demonstrates how the belief in reincarnation undermines core Islamic doctrines, including belief in resurrection, the Day of Judgment, punishment in the grave, and the finality of prophethood. The study concludes that reincarnation represents a significant ideological deviation that contradicts the Islamic view of monotheism and the afterlife, and it urges caution against adopting or promoting such beliefs.