This is a clear proof that the Imams (a.

This is a clear proof that the Imams (a.s.) not only took it upon themselves to engage in kalaam , but brought up in their seminaries generations of scholars in this discipline. Hisham bin al-Hakam, for example, excelled in kalaam and not hadith or Qur’anic commentary. Even when he was of a tender age, Imam as-Sadiq (a.s.) used to give him a special treatment over others of his companions and students.

There is agreement between observers that he earned this special treatment due to his outstanding scholarship in kalaam . In raising the station of Hisham, the scholastic theologian, over the scholars of hadith and jurisprudence, Imam as-Sadiq wanted to stress the importance and value of doctrinal studies and give preference to kalaam over the other two subjects.

It is obvious that this type of conduct by the Imams (a.s.) played a role in spreading kalaam and shaping Shia rational thinking into a distinct kalaam and philosophical school.…