Muhasibi's criticism of Mutazila

The developmental and changing feature in the structure of the science of theology has ensured that this science has always remained alive and progressive on the stage of history. This characteristic feature of theology has also paved the way for the emergence of different theological sects. Each school that emerged has tried to prove the truth of its own ideas and the falsehood of opposing ideas. Each sect has tried to produce systematic thought by basing its views on reason and tradition. Muʻtazila, Hijri II. he included many theological issues related to religious, political, historical and social events that emerged since the beginning of the century in his field of study and tried to explain them with rational evidence. When Sunni theological scholars also addressed the same issues in order to oppose the views put forward by Mu'tazila, significant ideological differences occurred. Mu'tazila tried to systematize his beliefs and thoughts with five principles that he called "usul-i hamsa". He pioneered a new method with a rational perspective against the views based on transmission, thinking that the old method of imitation was not sufficient. In such an environment, Hâris al-Muhâsibî pointed out the mistakes in the views of the Muʻtazili intellectuals with whom he shared the same age and tried to refute the evidence they used with their methods. Our study consists of an introduction and two sections. In the introduction, we tried to convey the general characteristics of the third century of the Hijra in which Harith al-Muhasibi lived, and his struggle with the Mu'tazila as well as his contributions to the science of theology. In the first section, we explained Harith al-Muhasibi's life, educational processes, works and the methods he used in his works against his opponents. In the second section, we tried to convey Harith al-Muhasibi's criticisms of the Mu'tazila's views on the attributes of Allah, ru'yatullah, the people of the Qur'an, promise and va'id, salah-aslah, good deeds, the will of man, the great ones, intercession and the nature of faith. KEYWORDS: Harith al-Muhasibi; Mu'tazila; Theology; Criticism January 2025, 100 Page