Throughout history, many movements and sects have emerged, gradually declining and eventually disappearing. The Mu’tazila sect, one of the ancient sects, once held significant status but eventually became extinct.
However, the influences and ideas of this group have persisted in the thoughts and beliefs of some modern intellectuals and reformists. In the previous section, we discussed the role of reason from the Mu’tazila’s perspective. In this section, we will examine the group’s founder and its objectives.
In the previous part, we mentioned that the most distinguishing characteristic of the Mu’tazila is their prioritization of reason over religious texts, as they held reason in high regard.
The Modern Mu’tazila:
Although the original Mu’tazila existed long ago, today there are individuals within the Muslim community who share the same thoughts and ideas and have a deep admiration for the Mu’tazila leaders and their viewpoints. This is evident in some contemporary schools of thought, one of which is the “Modernist School.”
Modernists tend to draw inspiration from the Mu’tazila’s writings and consider their methodology the best model to follow. They continuously strive to revive the Mu’tazila’s ideas, believing them to be the most intelligent and rational among all sects. Dr. Muhammad ‘Amara, one of those influenced by Mu’tazila thought, writes: “The Mu’tazila, also known as the People of Justice and Monotheism, represent the most authentic embodiment of Arab and Islamic character. Without being influenced by Greek thought, they applied rational methods in their discussions and investigations.”
To better understand the similarities between the two groups, we must highlight the agreements in some of their principles and objectives:
1. Both groups emphasize the sanctity of reason and prioritize it over religious texts.
2. Both are united in their hostility toward Sunnah, belittling its advocates and mocking hadith scholars.
3. Both follow foreign philosophies and schools of thought that are far removed from Islam. Just as the Mu’tazila were influenced by the intellectual wars waged by the Greeks and Indians through the translation movement targeting the Islamic world, today’s modernists have succumbed to Western civilization, even advocating for progress by embracing this hollow civilization.
4. They both permit debate and argumentation over metaphysical matters known only to Almighty God, whose source is solely revelation (the Quran and the sayings of the Prophet, peace be upon him), not reason. These include discussions on God’s essence and attributes, angels, jinn, and matters of predestination.
5. They praise misguided and deviant groups in the name of freedom of thought and belief.
6. Both schools call for interpreting the Quran and Sunnah based on reason, without considering the correct and legal methodology.
The points mentioned above illustrate the similarities between the ancient Mu’tazila and the new Mu’tazila (or modern intellectuals). Through research and examination of the literature written on this subject, it becomes evident that these similarities are indeed real.
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