The nature of humanity’s spirit is a complex and controversial issue.

The nature of humanity’s spirit is a complex and controversial issue.[^12] According to several Qur’anic verses, it seems that after death the soul continues its life independent of its corporeal body.[^13] Since the endurance of the spirit after the body’s extinction entails the continuity of one’s existence, it is clear that between the two aspects of humanity’s being, their spiritual gem has authenticity; this gem forms the essence of each human and it is usually interpreted as “me”.

Of course, the existential independence of the spirit from the body after death does not mean that there is no true relationship between these two. In fact, as long as persons live in the natural world their body and soul are correlated and are affected by each other. Based on this correlation, religious teachings obligate us to protect the sanctity of both aspects.

Thus, we must be utterly protective of our body and utilize it in the best possible manner on the path of attaining salvation and bliss.[^14] The advantages of humanity’s nature, especially those that originate from the spiritual aspect, have provided them with an elite status in the expansive world of existence. Humans, in the core of their essence, are superior not only superior to animals,…