Abstract

This study explores the realm of reason and revelation in terms of the Mutazilit views and makes a criticism of it in the light of the Quran and Hadith. He views it from three perspectives: reason in terms of the Mutazilit views, Mutazilits method of bringing reason and religious texts together, and criticism of Mutazilit views in the light of the Quran and Hadith.

Developing the scope of reason and rationalism, Mutazilit, among Islamic denominations, made a special view of reason in Islamic community. Hence some consider them as extremist rationalists. The quiddity and quality of their views demands a profound research in this regard.

According to the present study Mutazilit in terms of quiddity consider reason as power, in terms of function considers it as source and means of knowledge, and in terms of realm considers it as the most authentic device. While bringing reason and religious texts together, they regard texts accepted by reason as proof. Otherwise they interpret it using interpretations of the Quran. They even reject the authenticity of khabar wahid.

By criticism it does not mean the criticism of reason based on the Quran and hadith, on the conterary it means the analysis of Mutazilit views congruency and incongruency with the Quran and hadith about reason, that is, Mutazilits rationalist method and their views are criticized based on the method and views of the Infallible Imams and the Holy Quran.

Key Words: Reason, Revelation, Mutazilit, Quranic Views, Criticism of Mutazilits.