The Difference between Metempsychosis (Reincarnation) and Resurrection

Although corporeal resurrection is one of the affirmed religious doctrines, there have been long debates about it over the history. Studying the question of reincarnation and clarifying its relationship with corporeal resurrection will close one of these debates. The present paper is centered on a descriptive method in recounting the viewpoints and on a review of intellectual and transmitted science in studying and criticizing them. It is unsound to use reincarnation as substitute for resurrection because it is not only in contradiction to the Quranic verses and traditions but it is also conveys the idea that two souls belong to one body and two spirits exist in one body. Furthermore, it is indicative of disharmony between soul and body. However, reincarnation which means formation of man's soul in a especial ideal from which corresponds to his intentions, faculties, and deeds not only has no undesirable effect but also has religious basis. Corporeal- spiritual resurrection means that the soul joins the body and the body is exactly the same as the worldly body, although man’s worldly body is material and natural and his body in hereafter has the character of the other world.