The Theory of the Interest of Servants and Its Problems in the Doctrinal Structure of the Mu'tazilah: A Critical Study

Abstract

The theory of The Interest of the Servants among the Mu'tazilah is one of the manifestations of their reliance on reason in theology. This theory has had a significant impact on their stance on the attributes of God, His actions, divine decree, taklif (religious obligation), and the fate of those obligated. They have measured Allah (Exalted be He) by His creation, leading to anthropomorphization, denial, beautification, vilification, obligation, prohibition, and a failure to truly appreciate Allah's greatness.

Given the numerous theological and methodological problems and invalid implications of this theory, this research aims to study and critique it in light of the creed of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama'ah. After an introduction to the Mu'tazilah's concept of The Interest of the Servants, the first section examines the aspects of their consideration of it in their five fundamental principles through three reference principles: Tawhid (Unity of God), Adl (Justice), and Al-Manzilah Bayn al-Manzilatein (The Middle Position between Two Extremes). The second section deals with the methodological foundations of this theory among them, based on analogy between the seen and the unseen and rational beautification and vilification. The third section is dedicated to clarifying the problems and implications of this theory.

The research, which employed the methodologies of induction, analysis, and criticism, concluded with results, most notably that the theory of The Interest of the Servants has a profound impact on the principles of the Mu'tazilah. It is based on a false analogy and purely rational judgments. It also contains, in many ways, theological and methodological falsehoods, both in commission and omission. Its implications include anthropomorphization, denial, and corruption of methodology. This theory is not a consistent system but rather represents a path among the paths of Mu'tazilite denial. The study also shows that the creed of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama'ah is the correct creed that includes the establishment of truth and the refutation of dissenters