Ma`rifat Falsafi

The genetic guardianship (Wilayah al-Takwini), a form of true dominion and ownership, inherently belongs to God. However, in line with God’s guardianship and as its consequence and through divine will and permission, some creatures possess genetic guardianship and dominion to varying degrees. Employing a descriptive, analytical, and comparative method, this paper examines the genetic relationship between the soul and the body from the perspective of reason and faith (naql). It demonstrates, firstly, that according to verses, traditions, and the views of philosophers, genetic guardianship has multiple degrees and levels, and its scope varies according to the ontic rank of each creature. Secondly, one of the lower levels of genetic guardianship, as a gift from the Divine Presence, is the genetic dominion of the soul over the body. Unlike the higher levels of guardianship, this level is not exclusive to a specific person or group, or even humans, but exists to some extent in animals as well. Thirdly, God Almighty has placed this capacity within the human soul, enabling it, through intensifying substantial motion, to increase its gifted genetic guardianship and attain its higher levels. Likewise, it is possible for humans, through their own misuse of free will, to reduce or annihilate the soul’s genetic guardianship over the body, thereby weakening or completely severing their connection with the material world.