Theological differences between the Mutazilis and Asharis

Islam

Examine the main theological points of the Mutazilis and Asharis. Where do they agree and disagree?

Since the times of the Muhammad, Islam has been facing a rift between the Mutazilis and the Asharis. As both would share similar philosophical beliefs, while having differences that would create vast divisions in the Muslim world. Where, both sects would share similar beliefs in God and about the various teachings of Islam. Yet, once you move beyond this basic foundation the two will begin to have fundamental differences.

Asharis

The Asharis will take a more conservative view when interpreting the various principals and teaching in the Quran. At the heart of these different ideas, are several basic principles that the Asharis believe to include: the reasoning for God's actions, the interpretation of free will and the knowledge on moral truths. The reasoning for God's actions is when someone believes that humankind does not have the ability to fully understand why various events are occurring. This is important, because the idea has been a tenant for the arguments that God will know and understand what is best for everyone. As a result, full comprehension of God's different ideas and insights will not occur until after some events have taken place. This is important, because it is highlighting how humankind does not have the same capacity to: reason and understand in comparison with God. (Naseem 1 -- 40)

The interpretation of freewill is when humans have the ability to reason and understand the world around them. However, the choices are limited, as God has the capacity to know and realize what is most important to everyone. This is significant, because it highlights how the individual must yield to God's judgment and will. (Naseem 1 -- 40)

Knowledge of moral truths is when you are seeking out information through any kind the teachings of these principles (from various scholars and priests). As they have the wisdom and experience to help everyone understand, how they can apply the various teachings of the Quran to their daily lives. This is important, because it is shows how everyone must seek out proper knowledge through different scholars and priests. (Delbert 232 -- 250)

When you examine the principals of Ashari thinking, it is clear that the individual will play less of a role in determining what is best for them. As this reserved for various scholars / priests and God (who will ultimately know what is best for them). As a result, the individual should act morally, yet they must understand that God will push them in directions that could be difficult to comprehend until later.

Where do they agree and disagree?

The parts that both Asharis and Mutaizllis will agree with are: the belief in supporting the ideas of one single God, the basic tenets of Islam and the ideas of morality. As both sects think that God is the ultimate judge of the various actions that are taken by an individual (based upon their overall morals) that they exercised. This is important, because it shows how both would share the same fundamental views of the basic teachings.

Where the two different sects begin to disagree, is based upon the views of individuality and God's will. According to the Ashari's, humankind does not have the ability or intellect to understand various events that are occurring. As they are often reactionary to other issues that someone else is engaging in. At which point, an individual may not be able to know or understand what is taking place, because they cannot comprehend God's overall plan for the world. As the Asahris believe, that there are some events in an individual's life that they may not understand. Where, the realm of God's ideas are beyond their thinking (with everyone being his children in one way or another). As a result, humankind cannot have the capacity to understand what is taking place until after the fact. It is at this point, that they will be able to have a sense of true enlightenment.

When you step back and examine this basic idea, it is obvious that the Asharis believe that God has more: understanding and knowledge about various events. As a result, the individual's actions and choices could run counter to the ideas of God. Therefore, God will determine what is best for everyone based upon his objectives.

The Mutaizllis believe that everyone has a choice to determine their own course in life. This based upon God giving everyone the principals of free will. The difference with their thinking is that the actions that someone engages in will be judged later on. Those who are acting in the most morally correct way and are in line with various Islamic principles will be rewarded with eternity in paradise. While the person, who chooses to engage in actions that are immoral, will have their choices judged and then they will be sent to the fires of hell. This is because, the Mutaizllis believe that God is with everyone is spirit vs. physically. As they are taking a different interpretation of: the underlying meanings from the book of Shurah in the Quran. This is significant, because it shows how the Mutaizllis are placing more of an emphasis on individual actions and responsibility.

When you compare the two different sects, it is clear that they disagree, as far as the underlying amounts of individual responsibility for the various actions that are taken. Where, the Asharis think that God has a larger plan in mind for everyone and will steer the actions of the individual to achieve these different objectives. When this is taking place, a person may not understand the event, due to the fact that they do not have the same intellect or knowledge as God. Over the course of time, these individuals will begin to see and understand how God's plan is working. The Mutaizllis believe that the individual is responsible for their own actions. As a result, the underlying amounts of morality will determine how God will judge the deeds that we take. Where, everyone is given free will and the opportunity to choose how they will react to various events. Those who behave in the most morally correct fashion will be rewarded for their actions with eternity in paradise. While those people who are engaging in actions that are immoral will be held accountable, by going to hell. This is important, because it shows how both sects will differ based on the underlying levels of individual responsibility.