RLG204H5 Study Guide - Final Guide: Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, Taqlid, Islamic Culture
Document Summary
Rlg204 exam: provide historical and intellectual contexts within which two broad islamic theo- philosophical schools (mutazilite and asharite) emerged. Explain their central beliefs, and discuss their major theological themes. Wanted to protect islam from dualistic influences from iran. Their challenge was to find a compromise between simple pious tradition- since it was centered in. To counteract iranian dualists, mutazilites emphasized the need to formulate god"s unity (tauhid). Believed their was no similarity between god and his creation. Long, fierce theological battle based on koran not being the uncreated word of god vs. being created. Nothing except god"s word, attributes, and quran is eternal. They believed humans were responsible for their own actions. Believed that allah"s commands and restrictions were able to be discovered by using reason. Thus, the faithful can rationally know what"s obligatory and forbidden. Rewards and punishment are the result of freely made human action.
