Kalam (Islamic theology)

Kalam is a branch of Islamic theological thought that explores and articulates beliefs about God's nature, creation, and human destiny using rational debate and argumentation. It developed to defend Islamic doctrines against philosophical and theological challenges, emphasizing reason alongside faith. Key topics include God's omnipotence, free will, prophecy, and the afterlife. Thinkers within Kalam seek to understand divine attributes, reconcile scientific understanding with religious teachings, and establish doctrines that clarify core beliefs. Overall, Kalam combines faith-based revelation with rational inquiry to deepen understanding of Islamic theology while addressing complex theological issues.