Max Shimba Ministries: The Contradictions and Theological Implications of Islamic and Christian Doctrines of Resurrection

Monday, July 21, 2025

The Contradictions and Theological Implications of Islamic and Christian Doctrines of Resurrection

Title: The Contradictions and Theological Implications of Islamic and Christian Doctrines of Resurrection: A Comparative Perspective

Author: Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Institution: Max Shimba Ministries Org.
Date: July 30, 2015

Abstract

This paper offers a comparative theological and doctrinal investigation of the Islamic and Christian views on death, resurrection, and the eschatological return of the human soul. It critiques the Islamic concept of resurrection, particularly the idea of Ajab al-Dhanab (a supposed indestructible part of the human body), and juxtaposes it with the biblically founded Christian doctrine of bodily resurrection as affirmed through Jesus Christ. Scriptural references from both the Qur’an and the Bible are critically examined in light of doctrinal coherence, theological consistency, and eschatological hope.

1. Introduction

The doctrine of resurrection is fundamental in both Islamic and Christian eschatology. However, the nature, mechanics, and theological implications of resurrection differ significantly between these two Abrahamic faiths. This article investigates the Islamic notion that human resurrection on the Day of Judgment involves the Ajab al-Dhanab — a minute, indestructible part of the human body — and challenges its coherence when compared to the Christian understanding of resurrection through Jesus Christ.

2. Islamic Concept of Resurrection and the Ajab al-Dhanab Doctrine

2.1 The Three Components of Human Beings in Death

Islamic theology posits that upon death, the three fundamental components of human beings return to their origin:

The body (composed of dust) returns to the earth.
The soul is taken to a metaphysical state known as Barzakh.
A minute, indestructible seed called Ajab al-Dhanab remains intact in the earth.

According to Surah Qaf 50:4, Allah states:

"We know what the earth diminishes of them, and with Us is a retaining Book."

This verse is interpreted by Muslim scholars to suggest that part of the body is preserved for future resurrection.

2.2 Ajab al-Dhanab: The Seed of Resurrection

Ajab al-Dhanab, said to originate from Adam’s spine, is described as a tiny, indestructible element of the human being that survives decomposition. Islamic hadith literature (Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, An-Nasa’i, Malik’s Muwatta) records Prophet Muhammad asserting:

“Every part of the son of Adam decays except Ajab al-Dhanab, and from it he will be resurrected.”

The claim continues that on the Day of Judgment, Allah will send down rain that causes this part to sprout like a seed, regenerating the human body.

2.3 Qur’anic Analogies of Botanical Resurrection

The Qur’an compares resurrection to the sprouting of plants after rainfall:

“And He brings the living out of the dead, and brings the dead out of the living, and revives the earth after its death, and likewise will you be brought out.”
— (Surah Ar-Rum 30:19)

Muhammad is reported to have illustrated this by asking a companion whether he had seen a barren land bloom after rainfall — likening that renewal to bodily resurrection.

3. Critical Evaluation of the Islamic Doctrine

The Islamic resurrection model presents conceptual difficulties. The assertion that human beings originate from Ajab al-Dhanab, and not solely from dust as traditionally believed, introduces a theological inconsistency. If human beings are created from dust (as stated elsewhere in the Qur’an), how then can resurrection depend on a microscopic indestructible component?

Further, the argument that this seed remains physically intact after death — observable only with a powerful microscope — raises scientific and philosophical concerns about the feasibility and universality of such a claim.

The analogy with plant biology, though poetic, oversimplifies the complexity of human anatomy and divine action. Resurrection is thereby reduced to a mechanistic biological process, lacking the spiritual depth and divine sovereignty emphasized in biblical theology.

4. Christian Doctrine of Resurrection: A Christocentric Hope

4.1 Foundational Teachings on Resurrection

Resurrection is a foundational doctrine in Christianity, as outlined in Hebrews 6:1–2. Jesus Christ’s resurrection is the archetype and guarantee of the resurrection of all the dead:

“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” — (1 Corinthians 15:20–23)

Christ’s resurrection was foretold by Himself (Matthew 16:21; 17:22–23; Luke 18:31–34), and fulfilled as recorded in the Gospels. The reality of His resurrection affirms the hope of believers.

4.2 Biblical Passages Supporting the Resurrection of the Dead

Luke 14:13–14: “You will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
John 5:28–29: “All who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth.”
1 Thessalonians 4:16: “The dead in Christ will rise first.”

These scriptures place the authority of resurrection not on a biological remnant (Ajab al-Dhanab), but on the sovereign power of God through Christ.

4.3 Rebutting Historical Objections

When the resurrection of Christ was denied, the Gospel accounts provide not only historical claims but counter the false narratives, such as:

The bribery of Roman soldiers to lie about Jesus' body being stolen (Matthew 28:11–15).
The logical contradiction: If soldiers were asleep, how could they identify the perpetrators?

Despite skepticism, the resurrection of Christ remains the cornerstone of Christian faith and the assurance of future bodily resurrection.

5. Conclusion: Theological and Logical Consistency in the Doctrine of Resurrection

The Islamic view of resurrection via Ajab al-Dhanab is fraught with theological and logical inconsistencies. It conflates physical determinism with spiritual rebirth and depends heavily on metaphor without adequate scriptural or scientific support.

Conversely, the Christian doctrine of resurrection, rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ, offers a coherent and hopeful eschatology. It affirms the power of God, the promise of eternal life, and the future bodily resurrection of all believers — not on account of a microscopic remnant, but by the victory of Christ over death.

“If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.” — (1 Thessalonians 4:14)

References

The Holy Bible (ESV, NIV, KJV)
The Qur’an (Transl. Abdullah Yusuf Ali, Pickthall, Sahih International)
Bukhari, Sahih. Muslim, Sahih. Abu Dawud. Malik, Muwatta.
Al-Rum 30:19, Qaf 50:4, Al-Anbiya 21:104, At-Takwir 81:7
Shimba, M. (2015). Max Shimba Ministries Org. Teaching Series

© Dr. Maxwell Shimba | Max Shimba Ministries Org.
For theological inquiries and resources, visit: www.maxshimbaministries.org