Critical Review of the Mu'tazilī Theory of the Creation (Ḥudūth)of the Qur’an in Qāḍī Abd al-Jabbār’s Opinion, Regarding Imam Reza's Narrations

Abstract

The issue of creation/origin (Ḥudūth) or pre-eternity (Qidam) of the Qur’an was one of the oldest theological debates in Muslim world which has been discussed under the title of the word (Kalām or speech) attribute of God. Qāḍī Abd al-Jabbār, one the most important scholars of the Mu’tazilī school, gives several reasons to prove the origin and creation of the Qur’an. Referring to the hadiths (narrations) of Imam Reza (AS), his arguments lead to the temporal origin and gradual descent of the words and sounds of the Qur'an. However, since this is related to the word of God, the arguments of Abdul Jabbār require temporal origin, composition and change in the Divine nature, according to His Word attribute. For, the attribute could not be separated from the attributed and the sentence of creation or pre-eternity pass to each other, as well. The creation of the Qur’an and confining the Divine word in words and sounds provide you with basic challenges, which may not be accepted easily.