Islamic theology

High school (ages 12+)
Philosophy & Big Questions

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/islamic-theology

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. Who wrote Islamic theology?The Quran and the Sunnah, interpreted through rational and dialectical methods
2. What is the major sunni theological schools?Ash'ari, Maturidi, and their respective methodologies
3. What is the key philosophical influences?Neoplatonism and Aristotelianism, integrated into theological frameworks
4. What is Islamic theology (Kalam) and why did it start?Islamic theology is a way of using reason and discussion to understand Islam. It began when people needed to explain and defend their beliefs during early times.
5. Who are the main schools of Islamic theology?The main schools are the Ash'ari, Maturidi, and Mu'tazila. Each school has its own ideas about God and how to use reason.

Ilm al-Kalam: The Arabic term for Islamic theology, emphasizing reasoned discourse on divine matters.
Nass: Refers to the authoritative texts of revelation, primarily the Quran and Sunnah.
Usul al-Din: The 'roots' or fundamental principles of Islamic faith, central to theological study.