Controversial Issues Between the Mu'tazila and Maturidi Schools

Abstract

Abstract:

The Maturidiyyah and the Mu‘tazilah are among the most significant theological schools (schools of kalām) in Islamic history, and there are numerous disputes between them regarding both the fundamentals and branches of belief. The writings of both groups are filled with responses and debates, although the Mu‘tazilah did not explicitly mention the Maturidiyyah by name, as the term was not widely recognized in earlier times. I found no dedicated work from either group that systematically outlines the points of contention between them, except for what Abu Bakr al-‘Iyāḍī al-Māturīdī recorded—where he identified ten disputed theological issues. He studied and analyzed these issues, providing commentary and corrections.

This research concludes that his enumeration does not comprehensively cover all disputed matters, as he overlooked more significant issues than the ones he mentioned. Additionally, some of the issues he included require further scrutiny and reconsideration. The study is structured into twelve sections: the first introduces the two schools and presents the ten disputed issues as recorded by al-‘Iyāḍī; the next ten sections analyze each of these issues individually; and the final section provides critical commentary and additional observations. The study concludes with a summary of its findings and a scholarly recommendation to further examine these issues from the perspective of the Mu‘tazilah. The research employs the descriptive-analytical method, followed by a comparative approach, and finally a critical analysis.