Denial of the Self (Anatta) vs. the Soul and Spirit
Among the most philosophically intricate doctrines associated with Nirvana is the concept of Anatta, or non-self. According to this view, the notion of a stable, enduring self is an illusion.
What is perceived as identity is merely a temporary aggregation of processes and components—physical form, sensations, perceptions, mental formations, and consciousness.
This framework denies the existence of any permanent essence underlying human experience. All phenomena are understood as transient, constantly changing, and devoid of intrinsic identity.
Islamic thought presents a fundamentally different understanding. The human being is viewed as a composite entity consisting of a physical body and a metaphysical soul. While the body is subject to decay and death, the soul endures, transitioning through successive stages of existence.
Allah says:
“The Logical Contradiction in the Doctrine of Anatta
The denial of a stable self introduces a series of philosophical challenges. If no enduring identity exists, the very notions of experience, responsibility, and liberation become difficult to sustain coherently.
Questions arise regarding the subject of suffering and the agent of liberation. Without continuity, the connection between actions and their consequences becomes conceptually unstable. Attempts to resolve this through analogies such as a “stream of consciousness” fail to fully address the underlying issue of moral accountability.
From an Islamic perspective, coherence between action, responsibility, and consequence is maintained through the affirmation of a stable self. The same entity that acts is the one that is judged, ensuring alignment between justice and identity.