Rational Bases for the Possibility of the Day of Resurrection in the View of Islamic Theologians, an Investigation and Criticism

Theologians believe Resurrection is based on some matters, according to the Qur’anic verses, and believing in these matters is the corollary of believing in the Resurrection. This article, using a descriptive-analytic method, studies and criticizes the following four matters: the possibility of non-existence for the present world, this world becoming non-existent, the possibility of restoration of the non-existent, and the possibility of creation of another world. Some believe mortality is absolutely impossible and some have separated the matter for abstract and material beings, and some believe non-existence is possible but not real – which will be discussed in the next topic. Some have absolutely denied the mortality of the present world, and some say it is possible except for God, and some others have made more exceptions such as the arsh**, reasons and souls. Yet the meaning of mortality may be mortality of essence and accident or mortality of the form - meaning the distinction of parts and removal of forms or disappearance of the apparent (part of the world) and appearance of the inner part (afterlife) which is now hidden. There are three opinions regarding the restoration of the non-existent: it is possible, it is impossible, and it is different with respect to essences and accidents or between different accidents. If restoration of the non-existent was impossible, of course, the resurrection is not its case; the creation of another world, similar to this world, is considered possible by some and impossible by others. If the creation of another world is beside this world, there is no need to destroy the present world but according to the Qur’an’s literal meaning, the two creations are one after the other.