In today’s fast-changing world, science and technology continue to push the boundaries of what was once thought impossible. From artificial intelligence to space exploration, humanity is in constant pursuit of ways to enhance life. Recently, an interesting headline grabbed global attention: during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to China, discussions reportedly touched on the possibility of extending human life to 150 years—and even achieving immortality through biotechnology.
The idea of immortality has always fascinated human beings. From the epic of Gilgamesh to modern-day sci-fi films, the dream of escaping death is as old as history itself. Now, with advanced biotechnology, genetic engineering, and artificial intelligence, some scientists and leaders believe this dream might one day become reality. But can it?
As exciting as it sounds, this question takes us beyond science and into the realm of the soul, spirituality, and divine decree. To explore it properly, let’s reflect on the Islamic perspective.
The Mystery of the Soul
The Qur’an reminds us that the soul is a divine secret:
“And they ask you [O Muhammad] about the soul. Say, ‘The soul is of the affair of my Lord. And you [mankind] have not been given of knowledge except a little.’”
— Surah Al-Isrā’ (17:85)
Science can study the body, organs, and brain, but the soul remains far beyond human comprehension. This verse makes it clear that the inner essence of life—the ruh (soul)—is knowledge reserved only for Allah.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ further explained how the soul is given to us. In a well-known hadith, he said:
“The creation of each one of you is brought together in his mother’s womb for forty days as a drop (nutfah), then a clot (‘alaqah) for a similar period, then a lump of flesh (mudghah) for a similar period. Then the angel is sent to him and breathes the soul into him, and he is commanded with four words: to write down his provision, his lifespan, his deeds, and whether he will be happy or miserable…”
— [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 3208, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2643]
This hadith teaches two powerful truths:
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The soul is breathed into the body only by Allah’s command.
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A person’s lifespan is predetermined before they are even born.
These concepts strike directly at the heart of the immortality debate: no matter how advanced biotechnology becomes, human control stops at the body. The soul is not ours to manipulate.
The Certainty of Death
Even if medical science could repair aging cells, replace organs, or enhance the human brain, death is inevitable. The Qur’an emphasizes this truth repeatedly:
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“Every soul will taste death. And We test you with evil and with good as trial; and to Us you will be returned.” — Surah Al-Anbiyā’ (21:35)
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“Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your full reward on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained success. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.” — Surah Āl ʿImrān (3:185)
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“And no soul can ever die except by Allah’s permission, at a decree determined.” — Surah Āl ʿImrān (3:145)
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“Wherever you may be, death will overtake you, even if you should be within towers of lofty construction.” — Surah An-Nisā’ (4:78)
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“When their appointed time arrives, they cannot delay it for a single hour, nor can they advance it.” — Surah Yūnus (10:49)
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“And the intoxication of death will bring the truth; that is what you were trying to avoid.” — Surah Qāf (50:19)
The Qur’an does not leave room for exceptions. Whether a person lives in a palace or hides in the strongest of towers, whether medicine slows aging or not—death is a divine decree, and it will arrive at its appointed time.
Can Technology Challenge the Divine Plan?
Proponents of biotechnology often argue that if we can repair the body, rejuvenate cells, and even transfer consciousness into machines, perhaps death itself can be postponed indefinitely. Some dream of “mind uploading” into robots, others of cryogenic freezing until future science finds a cure for aging.
But here lies the crucial distinction: life is more than biology.
Even if science can preserve a body, it cannot generate or transfer the soul. We may be able to extend lifespans, but immortality is not just a biological challenge—it is a spiritual impossibility. The ruh (soul) comes from Allah, and it will return to Him when He wills.
The True Meaning of Immortality
Ironically, Islam teaches that immortality is not impossible—but it does not belong to this world. Every human will taste death, but our souls continue to exist in the next life. Real immortality lies in the eternal journey after resurrection—either in Paradise or Hell.
So, while world leaders and scientists may dream of extending life on earth, the believer’s focus is preparing for everlasting life in the Hereafter. As the Qur’an says:
“And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.” — Surah Āl ʿImrān (3:185)
Conclusion
The recent Putin–China conversation on immortality highlights humanity’s timeless struggle against death. It shows our desire to live longer, healthier, and perhaps forever. But Islamic wisdom reminds us that while science may extend years, it cannot grant eternity.
The body belongs to us, but the soul belongs to Allah. He is the one who gives life, decrees its span, and calls it back at the appointed time.
So instead of chasing immortality through technology, our real mission should be preparing for the eternal life promised by Allah—a life that begins when this temporary journey ends.
