Islam and the Conception of Metempsychosis

Abstract

"Tanasukh" and "Taqammus", are terms that mean metempsychosis in Arabic. This concept is accepted by the Alawite and the Druze, but rejected by the Sunnis, who considered this concept as heretical and those who believe in the concept as heretics. There is some debate among scholars about the origins and the exact meanings of terms "Tanasukh" and "Taqammus". The former derives from a Koranic reference to "the conception of the soul". It has been interpreted by the method of the Isma'ili Shia doctrine of "Batin". Finally, although "Tanasukh" predates "Taqammus", both have apocalyptic overtones referring to the reincarnation of the Mahdi and the so-called "Day of Judgment".