Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq, Jan. 1, 2025 By AimanAbir18plus – Own work, CC BY 4.0, Wikipedia
I. Introduction
In Door Number Ten of Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq’s work, the doctrine of reincarnation—referred to in the text as the “transmigration of the soul”—is introduced as a central element of the Seventh Covenant. Al-Sadiq posits that the soul, after death, does not experience a fixed, singular destiny but is instead subjected to a repeated process of reincarnation. In his view, the soul’s journey through multiple lives allows it to attain ultimate spiritual perfection, culminating in dominion within a new Edenic spiritual kingdom. This doctrine challenges not only traditional Islamic views but also, and more significantly, the foundational teachings of Christianity. In this article, we will offer a comprehensive biblical and theological refutation of Al-Sadiq’s concept of reincarnation, examining the key theological implications of this belief and demonstrating its inconsistency with Christian orthodoxy.
II. The Doctrine of Reincarnation in Al-Sadiq’s Thought
A. The Cycle of Reincarnation
Al-Sadiq presents the idea of reincarnation as a cyclical process in which the soul undergoes successive lifetimes, each one providing an opportunity for spiritual growth and refinement. This doctrine is not new; it draws heavily on Gnostic ideas and Eastern philosophies, particularly those found in Hinduism and Buddhism. However, Al-Sadiq’s adaptation of this concept places it within the framework of his Seventh Covenant, claiming that the soul’s repeated incarnations will ultimately lead to a perfected state, where certain individuals will rule over a new, spiritualized kingdom of God.
- Reincarnation and Spiritual Perfection
Al-Sadiq asserts that the soul, through successive rebirths, can attain spiritual perfection. He teaches that individuals, through their actions in each life, accumulate wisdom and move closer to divine enlightenment. This cycle continues until the soul reaches its ultimate goal, which is an elevated state of existence that corresponds to the divine ruling position in the Seventh Covenant’s new spiritual realm. - The Role of Reincarnation in the Seventh Covenant
Within the framework of the Seventh Covenant, reincarnation is presented as the method by which key spiritual leaders and figures perfect their souls. Al-Sadiq claims that some individuals are destined to undergo these cycles to fulfill the prophetic role of divine rulers. This notion, however, contradicts the biblical view of divine authority and eternal destiny as one that is determined by God’s sovereign will, not by the repeated processes of human reincarnation.
III. A Biblical and Theological Response to Reincarnation
A. Reincarnation is Rejected by Scripture
The most fundamental theological issue with Al-Sadiq’s teaching of reincarnation is its complete rejection by the Bible. The Scriptures consistently affirm that each person experiences one life, followed by judgment, as stated in Hebrews 9:27: “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” This verse establishes the clear biblical teaching that reincarnation, as a process of multiple earthly lives, is unbiblical.
- The Finality of Life and Judgment
The Bible teaches that life on earth is a one-time event, followed by judgment. Jesus teaches in Matthew 25:31-46 that the final judgment is based on the choices made during one’s earthly life, not on any form of reincarnation or multiple lifetimes. The parable of the sheep and the goats illustrates that there is no subsequent opportunity for the soul to undergo rebirth or further spiritual refinement after death.- Matthew 25:46: “And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” This speaks to the eternal destiny of each soul after one life, further undermining Al-Sadiq’s premise of reincarnation.
- Ecclesiastes 3:20-21
The Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes affirms that both man and animals share a common fate in death, going “to one place.” The idea of a cyclical process of death and rebirth is absent, and the text highlights the finality of death: “All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return.” The cycle of reincarnation is, therefore, a non-biblical concept. - Luke 16:19-31
In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Jesus explicitly teaches that after death, there is no opportunity for a second life or reincarnation. The rich man, after dying, is in torment, while Lazarus is in comfort. This parable powerfully affirms that once a person dies, they do not return to earth for another chance at salvation or spiritual development.
B. Theological Issues with Reincarnation
- The Doctrine of Original Sin and Redemption in Christ
The concept of reincarnation runs counter to the foundational Christian doctrine of original sin and the necessity of redemption through Christ. If reincarnation were true, it would imply that individuals can work toward spiritual perfection over multiple lifetimes, bypassing the need for Christ’s atoning sacrifice.- Romans 5:12 affirms the universal problem of sin: “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.”
The need for Christ to redeem humanity from sin through His death on the cross (Romans 5:8) is central to the Christian faith, and this cannot be reconciled with a belief in reincarnation, which minimizes the need for a single, sufficient atonement.
- Romans 5:12 affirms the universal problem of sin: “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.”
- Christ’s Death and Resurrection Are Sufficient for Salvation
According to Christian theology, Christ’s death on the cross and His subsequent resurrection provide a once-for-all solution for humanity’s sin. The apostle Paul writes in Hebrews 10:10: “And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Reincarnation contradicts this biblical teaching by suggesting that human beings can purify themselves over successive lives, which undermines the finality and sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice. - The Finality of Judgment
The doctrine of reincarnation suggests a continuous cycle of rebirths, but this undermines the biblical doctrine of the final judgment. Hebrews 9:27 makes it clear that after death comes judgment, a concept that would be rendered meaningless if reincarnation were true. Reincarnation essentially removes the urgency of making a decision for Christ in this life, as it falsely suggests that there are endless opportunities for spiritual development across multiple lifetimes.
IV. Historical and Philosophical Background of Reincarnation
A. Eastern and Gnostic Influences on Al-Sadiq’s Doctrine
Al-Sadiq’s teaching on reincarnation is not derived from the Bible but is instead heavily influenced by Eastern and Gnostic philosophical systems. In both Hinduism and Buddhism, the soul is thought to pass through multiple lifetimes, experiencing cycles of birth, death, and rebirth until it reaches spiritual enlightenment. These systems have been historically rejected by Christianity for their pantheistic and cyclical views of life and death.
- Hinduism: Reincarnation is tied to the law of karma, where actions in one life determine the circumstances of the next. This is in direct contrast to the Christian doctrine of grace, which is not earned through actions but received through faith in Christ.
- Gnosticism: Many Gnostic traditions embraced reincarnation as a means of spiritual ascent, where the soul ascends to higher realms through cycles of earthly existence. Early Christian leaders, including Irenaeus and Tertullian, rejected these Gnostic teachings as heretical, and their refutations still apply today.
B. Reincarnation and Early Church Rejection
The early Church Fathers were unanimous in their rejection of reincarnation. Figures like Origen, though not entirely orthodox in his theology, did entertain some Gnostic ideas, but he also clearly refuted the idea of reincarnation as incompatible with Christian doctrine. Origen was condemned by the Church for his speculations, which included beliefs in the pre-existence of souls and their eventual reincarnation.
- Tertullian and Irenaeus wrote extensively against Gnostic and other non-Christian teachings, including reincarnation, asserting that the soul’s destiny is determined by God, not through a cyclical process of rebirth.
V. Conclusion: The Finality of Life and the Christian Hope
Al-Sadiq’s teaching on reincarnation in Door Number Ten of his book is a significant departure from the biblical understanding of life, death, and judgment. The doctrine of reincarnation, as presented in his Seventh Covenant, is both unbiblical and theologically dangerous. It undermines the core Christian doctrines of salvation, judgment, and the finality of Christ’s redemptive work. The Bible consistently teaches that each person is appointed one life, followed by judgment (Hebrews 9:27), and that salvation is through Christ alone, not through an endless cycle of reincarnation.
The Christian hope is not one of eternal cycles of rebirth but of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Reincarnation, as a theological system, undermines the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement and the urgency of the gospel message. Christians are called to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that our time on earth is limited, and that the only path to eternal life is through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Thus, Al-Sadiq’s doctrine of reincarnation, while appealing to those seeking spiritual enlightenment through personal effort, ultimately leads away from the biblical hope of redemption through grace alone and the finality of judgment. Christians must remain steadfast in the truth of the gospel, proclaiming the hope of eternal life, not through reincarnation, but through the atoning work of Jesus Christ.