Concepts of Transmogrification and reincarnation in the works of Bayezid Roshan

Abstract

Reincarnation and transmogrification, both non-Islamic and unfounded beliefs, can be classified as unique concepts, with their origins traced back to ancient Greece. The concept of reincarnation is deeply ingrained in Hinduism, having been further developed by Hindus, yet it has unconsciously permeated our works through the lens of Sufism. The idea of reincarnation within Islamic Sufism finds its roots in Greek Sufism, adapting to the philosophy of unity due to the influence of existential and intuitive philosophies that migrated from Greek Sufism into our own mystical traditions. As our literature embraced mysticism, these sparks inevitably appeared within it.

These concepts are inherently rejected and deemed unacceptable. To clarify, reincarnation refers to the transmigration of the soul from one body to another. Reincarnationists believe that upon the departure of a soul from a human or animal body, it instantaneously inhabits another body or temple without any temporal interruption. This belief, with its ancient origins, was propagated by Greek philosophers, notably the early Pythagoreans, who adopted it from the ancient poet Orpheus. The renowned Greek philosopher Plato also held this belief. The grave danger of this idea lies in its proponents' assertion that the soul, whether human or animal, simply transfers to another body upon leaving its previous one. However, Islamic philosophers have categorically rejected and invalidated the concept of reincarnation.

Furthermore, the notion of "reincarnation" implies the fusion of two entities to the extent that they become indistinguishable in their ruling. In Roshan's works, particularly in "Halnama" and "Khair al-Bayan," the idea of reincarnation is intertwined with his mystical thought process. Akhund Darviza Saheeb also attributes this idea to Bayezid in his series of accusations, claiming, "Friends, God has disappeared into people, like salt in water or grains in plants; He has become one with everyone." They further assert, Al-Iyadh Billah; That "God is mixed in all things like sweetness in dates." Reincarnation, therefore, suggests the dissolution of one entity into another. The underlying message is that these concepts are foreign, non-religious, and inherently tied to other religions and civilizations, standing in stark contradiction and conflict with our religious beliefs, principles, and Islamic culture. It is imperative to protect oneself from these beliefs, as they are unequivocally unacceptable in any form.

Keywords: Movement, Sufism, Reincarnation, Idea, Slotude, Works