Sheikh Ala’dole Semnani’s Approach to the Theory of Reincarnation

The theory of reincarnation, as one of the basic teachings of Hinduism and Buddhism, has long been the subject of philosophical, mystical and theological disputes among Muslim scholars, who have strongly argued against it. As some unconventional Muslim groups and sects have been known to have accepted or have been affiliated with the theory of incarnation, the discussion of this theory has made its way into different theological fields up to the present time. Taking a Gnostic perspective, the great Sufi, Sheikh Ala ud-Daula Semnani (7 and 8 A.H), as one of the renowned Persian mystics, opposed the prevalence of reincarnation teachings in his time with admirable lucidity and precision. The present article is an attempt to analyze his opposition through and analysis his works. Key Terms: Ala’dole Semnani, reincarnation, exemplification ,transmigration, metempsychosis