The Mu'tazila

The Mu'tazila was a medieval Islamic theological movement emphasizing reason, free will, and justice. They believed that human beings have the capacity to discern right from wrong through rational thought and that God's justice requires humans to be responsible for their actions. They also advocated for the use of logic in understanding religious doctrines and emphasized the importance of God's unity and omniscience. Their ideas often challenged traditional views, leading to debates within the Islamic community about faith, reason, and morality. Although their influence declined over time, their emphasis on reason and ethics significantly shaped Islamic thought.