Abstract
The basic beliefs of the religion of Islam are determined by nass. The leading group in determining and justifying the principles of belief are mutakallims. Mu‘tazila sect is seen as the first representative of Islamic theology. Mu‘tazili mutakallims played a pioneering role in the establishment of the system of theology by using both narrative and rational knowledge. Especially with the sensitivity of protecting monotheism, they handled the transmitted information very selectively and passed it through the criticism filter. With this, they aimed to determine the principles of Islamic belief, to classify the established principles and to put them in a systematic way and to defend them against their opponents. Post-Mu‘tazila theological schools also used the system and method of this sect. Mu‘tazilî mutakallims made very important contributions to this science with their works, which are regarded as the main sources of theology. An important part of these works is the type of denial that they have written, especially against being in a struggle. Mu‘tazilî sources are still a source for studies in the field of theology today.
Mu‘tazilî mutakallims did not hesitate to support their methods with the new methods they obtained through translated works. In this context, they used the philosophical arguments and the scientific method formed in this context in their own systems. It is known that their interest in science and philosophy increased with this attitude. With the effect of such activities, it is seen that institutions such as Beytu'l-Hikme were brought to the Islamic society. Contrary to what is predicted by mu‘tez, he also cares about the information obtained with the senses and uses them especially on the possibilities of prophethood. In this context, they set out a very successful example of struggle against movements that deny prophethood.
It is seen that Mu‘tazila generally tried to stay neutral by avoiding internal discussions and the developments afterward, like Ehl-i Beyt-Umayyad, but they could not escape from these conflicts in time. They found themselves in the middle of this struggle and conflict, especially with the Mihna incident that took place during the Abbasid dynasty. As a result of these events, Mu‘tazila became the official sect of the state. This situation can be seen as the most important misfortune of the Mu‘tazila sect. Because the new environment that emerged caused them to be excluded and marginalized from the Islamic society in time.
As the mutakallims struggled against all kinds of criticism of the principles of belief, they also responded to all kinds of malicious criticism against the essence of Islam by circling the principles of belief in this framework. When it comes to the defense of Islamic beliefs, the first thing that comes to mind is the Mu‘tazila sect. Mu‘tazilî mutakallims have set an example for the latter in their scientific knowledge and discipline and with this in the defense of Islamic beliefs. The main bases of Mu‘tazila in the defense of belief are five principles. They determined their theological views within the framework of these five principles and made many debates within this framework. Mu‘tazilî mutakallims have made a very successful defense of Islam especially against Indo-Iranian currents. It is seen that they have achieved a historical success in their struggles against Iranian-Indian originated belief groups. At the same time, they have played important roles with their Christian and Jewish origin, especially with their debates within the framework of attributes and tacsîm. The main arguments used in these debates have been produced using the burhanî and cedelî methods. It is seen that the arguments Mu‘tazila put forward in his debates are still valid. The examples and defense methods used against their rivals in these discussions stand before us as top examples.
Mutazilita mutakallims gave very successful examples in terms of gaining superiority to their rivals, especially. In this way, they eliminated all kinds of beliefs that could deny people within the framework of the principles of belief. Thus, they have contributed to the preservation of the Islamic belief and the evolution of Islamic culture with their very strong intellectual and philosophical knowledge by defending Islamic beliefs against both their internal and external opponents. This article contains a section of Mu‘tazila's struggles within the framework of defending the principles of belief.