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On Theological Rhetoric

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Question

My question is regarding the status of Kalaam, or theological rhetoric, i.e. rational arguments for the ‘proof’ of the existence of God.

Some scholars are of the opinion that it is ‘heretical’, while the Classical interpretation has accepted it. What is your opinion?

 

Reply

The Muslim scholastics grew under the influence of the Greek philosophy of the times. The Greek philosophy of the times posed a great challenge to almost all the basic concepts of religion at that time. In response, some Muslim scholars accepted the challenge and responded to the ideas propounded by the Greek philosophy. This response of the Muslim scholastics brought into existence what was later called the Muslim scholastic theology or Ilm al-Kalaam (علم الكلام).

It would neither be correct to call this presentation of the Muslim scholastics as heretical nor to give it the status of Divine words. These were explanations of Muslims, who had taken up a challenge with the best of intentions but who, being human beings, were prone to errors in their judgment as well as in their presentation and explanation. These works, nevertheless, are a record of a philosophical movement of the Muslims and should be considered as one part of their intellectual heritage.

Hope this helps

UIUK team

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