An Explanation of the Compatibility of Accepting Return and Rejecting Reincarnation from the Perspective of Sadr al-Muta'allehin

"Return" and "reincarnation" are controversial topics in Shiite philosophy and theology. Some believe that because reincarnation is invalid, return should be rejected and invalidated as well because of its similarity to reincarnation. Using rational arguments in his works, especially "Asfar Arba'a", Sadr al-Muta'allehin has rejected reincarnation; however, he has not said anything about the rational proof of the return, which he defends, and has just mentioned some narrations in this regard. But the main question is: how has Sadr al-Muta'allehin combined these two topics when, apparently, the annulment of reincarnation requires the annulment of the return? Using the descriptive-analytical method and with the aim of answering the doubts of those who consider the views of this great philosopher contradictory, the research confirms the hypothesis that these two categories are compatible with each other and rejecting one does not necessarily mean invalidating the other. Therefore, we try to prove return by using his rational arguments in rejecting reincarnation, such as refusing the coming back of non-existent to itself, refusing the return of the actual being to the potential being, and the sameness.