The phenomenon of disability in Islamic Kalām

Disability is a universal phenomenon that has been addressed in various forms throughout human history in different cultures, geographies, and societies, both individually and socially, within the context of rights, responsibilities, freedoms, and access to opportunities. Because this phenomenon concerns humanity and religion itself deals with humanity, associating it with religion is quite important. In fact, everything that concerns humanity becomes a subject of religion. Religion provides a framework that individuals with disabilities and their loved ones can refer to while understanding, accepting their condition, coping with disability, and developing a positive self-image. This study aims to examine the phenomenon of disability from the perspectives of Islamic Kalām and the Qur'an. Throughout history, disability has been interpreted in various ways; however, it is far more than a merely biological or physical condition. Disability, which has been interpreted in different ways throughout human history, is more than just a biological or physical condition; it is a multidimensional reality that directly affects an individual's relationship with themselves, society, and existence. Therefore, a proper understanding of disability is of great importance for developing more just and inclusive approaches at both the individual and societal levels. The study is based on the premise that disability should not be interpreted solely through the findings of modern sciences but should also be examined from a religious, and more specifically, a theological (Kalām) perspective. Disability is closely associated with such fundamental theological issues as existence, destiny, divine justice, human free will, and moral responsibility. Within Islamic thought, it acquires its meaning primarily through the concepts of divine justice (al-'adl), divine wisdom (ḥikmah), and trial (ibtilā'). In this respect, the study evaluates disability within the theoretical framework of Islamic Kalām by analyzing its relationship to free will, divine justice, human agency, responsibility, and the purpose of creation in light of the Qur'an.