Analysing Abu Ali al-Jubba's Kitab al-Maqalat in terms of the history of Islamic sects

The Mu'tazila is a school of thought that has played a significant role in Islamic thought both religiously and politically since the 2nd century AH. Shaped around issues such as the problem of major sins, the attributes of God, and destiny during the late Umayyad Caliphate, the Mu'tazila gained strength with the influence of translation movements during the Abbasid Caliphate and became the official sect of the state. Systematizing their views with five fundamental principles known as "Usul al-Khamsa," this school experienced its golden age during the Abbasid period. However, the strong influence in the state led to the decline of the school's power and its becoming the focus of criticism as a result of the mihna (inquisition) process. Abu Ali al-Jubbai, who lived during this period and endeavored to revive the school, played a crucial role in transmitting the Mu'tazila to future generations. In this process, Abu Ali responded to criticisms directed at the school and authored many works. "Kitab al-Maqalat," the subject of our study and a product of this period, is the only work authored by Abu Ali that has survived to this day. In the first part of the study, the life of Abu Ali al-Jubbai, the society and socio-cultural context he lived in, his scholarly personality, his works, his students, and his fundamental views in the context of Usul al-Khamsa are discussed. In the second part of the study, the reason for authoring "Kitab al-Maqalat," the sects addressed in the work, and his approach to these sects are examined. Additionally, the contributions of the work to Mu'tazila and Islamic thought are attempted to be elucidated. Throughout the study, "Kitab al-Maqalat" by Abu Ali al-Jubbai is evaluated from the perspective of the history of Islamic sects with an objective and fair approach.