The religious and rational/philosophical foundations of husn-qubh according to Mu'tazila

In the science of kalam, the issue of husn and qubh is discussed in the context of the nature of the moral value of actions that, if performed, have repercussions both in this world and the hereafter and how to obtain knowledge of this value. Mu'tazila argues that husn and qubh are ontologically real values and that they can be known epistemologically by reason. Mu'tazila developed the approach in question in order to justify the claims it made in accordance with the principle of justice. As a matter of fact, according to them, only if the values are objective and intelligible, it will be possible for God to be free from qabih actions and for man to be responsible for his actions. God does not choose evil, because He knows qubh of the qabih action and He does not need to do it. It is only possible for God not to will the qabih act, if the qubh is objective and unchangeable. Likewise, the fact that values are valid for everyone and can be comprehended by reason provides a solid ground for a person's responsibility for his actions both in this world and in the afterlife. Thus, the issue of husn and qubh is discussed in the context of the actions of both God and man. This study aims to identify the religious and rational/philosophical foundations of the Mu'tazilite understanding of morality by discussing the Mu'tazilite approach to husn and qubh and the reasons for this approach, and thus to reveal the intellectual sources of the Mu'tazila. Accordingly, in this study, the verses put forward by Mu'tazila as evidence and the explanations developed regarding the relevant verses are included. Also Ancient Greek philosophy, which can be claimed to be decisive in terms of Mu'tazila's approach to values, is discussed in the context of its relevance to the subject.