The theory of knowledge in the period of the new ilm-i kelâm

In the modern era, social, political, and intellectual developments in the West have led to the spread of views such as atheism and deism, which are considered problematic from the perspective of Islamic belief. This situation has created a need, particularly in the field of kalām (Islamic theology), to reestablish the foundations of faith and to respond to emerging intellectual movements. In this context, kalām scholars have produced various works during the period referred to as the New Kalām, with the aim of defending and preserving Islamic creed (ʿaqīdah). Due to the influence of scientific developments in the modern period, significant changes have occurred in the understanding of knowledge. Positivist approaches based on observation and experimentation, as well as systems of knowledge that rely solely on reason or intuition, have emerged. This diversity has rendered the issue of epistemology particularly important from a kalām perspective. In the face of views that reject transmitted knowledge (naql) and contradict fundamental Islamic beliefs, kalām scholars have addressed the topic of knowledge, focusing on its nature and sources, and have sought to clarify the legitimate sources of knowledge according to Islam. The purpose of this study is to shed light on the New Kalām period in the context of these developments and to examine the views of kalām scholars on epistemology. In this regard, the relevant historical context and intellectual trends of the period are considered in order to explain the topic more comprehensively.