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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Scholastic Theology (kalam) Lesson Five: The Mu’tazilites (3) What has been discussed in the previous two lessons relate to the core beliefs of the Mutazilite School of Thought. However, and as we have already mentioned, they advanced many views and opinions and defended them fervently. Some of those views relate to different disciplines, such as divinity, physics (or natural sciences), sociology, and man.

Insofar as subjects of divinity, or metaphysics, are concerned, there are those, which involve the public aspects, and those that deal with the intimate aspects. It goes without saying that, in common with other speculative theologians, the Mu’tazilites have aimed to deal with the latter, which revolve around the core of religious beliefs. As regards the discussion on public affairs, it is deemed as a prelude to the wider issues of discussing metaphysics. The same applies to natural sciences.

That is, should theologians embark on any question in the domain of physics, they do so as a lead up to proving a religious belief or solving a problem relating to it. We give below a summary of those views, starting with metaphysics. The Divine Unity of the Attributes. Justice. The Word, or speech, of God; is it created, i.e. is the Word a characteristic of the Action, and not of the Essence? God’s actions have aims, i.e.

each and every action that emanates from God has a purpose and serves an interest. Forgiveness without repentance is not possible. This is one of the fundamentals, i.e. promise and threat. Asking man to do more than that in his power is inconceivable. Man’s actions are not created by God in any form. God’s will has no say in man’s own actions. The universe has been brought into existence (haadith). This view is diametrically opposed to what philosophers hold.

Physically seeing God, whether in this world or the hereafter, is impossible. Natural science The body is composed of indivisible atoms. Smell is caused by atoms, travelling in the atmosphere. Flavour is nothing but particles that influence the taste of man. Light consists of particles travelling in the atmosphere. Interference of bodies is not inconceivable. This view is espoused by some Mu’tazilites. Impulsive motion is not inconceivable. This view too is held by some Mu’taziltes.

Man Man has freewill and choice and is not coerced. This idea relates to the idea of creation of actions and the issue of Divine Justice. Power, i.e.