عقل کی حیثیت عقیدہ کی تشکیل میں: اہل سنت اور معتزلہ کا تقابلی جائزہ

"The Role of Reason in the Formation of Creed: A Comparative Study of Ahl al-Sunnah and the Mu‘tazilah" DOI:https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17288555

Abstract

This research paper examines the role of reason (‘aql) in the formulation of Islamic creed, with a comparative focus on the approaches of Ahl al-Sunnah and the Mu‘tazilah. The study highlights how reason and revelation (naql) interact in the development of theology and the establishment of key doctrines. The Mu‘tazilite school emphasized rational inquiry as the primary foundation for theological principles, often prioritizing reason in interpreting divine texts. In contrast, Ahl al-Sunnah adopted a balanced methodology, affirming the authority of revelation while acknowledging the supportive role of reason within its limits. By analyzing classical sources, the paper identifies areas of convergence and divergence between the two schools, particularly in issues such as divine attributes, free will, and the nature of faith. The findings suggest that while both traditions sought to preserve the integrity of Islamic belief, their epistemological differences shaped distinct trajectories in the history of Islamic thought. This comparative study contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics between reason and revelation in Islamic theology.