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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Theological Instructions LESSON FORTY-TWO: THE DEPENDENCE OF THE ISSUES OF RESSURRECTION UPON THE ISSUES OF THE SPIRIT The criteria of unity in a living existent Man like other animals is made-up of numerous cells. Each cell is in a continual state of transformation and deterioration.

The number of cells in a human being since his birth is constantly fluctuating and, one will never find an individual whose composing elements of the body have remained the same and have not transformed or fluctuated. If we focus upon these transformations and mutations, which occur in animals and within man, the question arises as to why do we refer to this ‘transforming assemblage’ as one existent, is it not possible that through its course of life it has in fact changed several times?

The simple answer that can be given to this question is that the criteria of unity which is in every living existent, is the timely correlation between the cells and not an inappropriate replacement of them. Every cell gradually dies and a new cell takes its place. This happens throughout the course of time and this new ‘transformed assemblage’ is still known as one or the same existent.

However, this answer is not satisfying because; if we take the example of a building which has gradually had all its old bricks replaced by new bricks, whilst still maintaining the same outward form, it would not be called the same building. In particular those who are aware of the replacement would not consider the building to be the same as the old previous structure.

Nevertheless, it is possible for the answer given, to be modified in this way; the gradual replacement in a living existent is due to the natural factors within an organism as compared to that of a building, which is due to unnatural and outward factors. Hence, the true and internal replacement of cells cannot be related to that of bricks. This answer is based upon the acceptance of a unity in the natural elements and factors that transforms the cells while maintaining the unity of an organism.

Therefore the question will be directed in regard to the criteria of unity in the natural element or factor itself and the reality of this natural element.