Islamic theology or Ilmu al-Kalam, was established in an attempt to
understand faith and religion by logical reasoning (rational proof and
evidence) instead of relying on revealed texts. Logical reasoning was used to
prove the origins of faith and basis of religion. Ilmu al-Kalam developed
until it branched out into various sections and groups. These groups took
Ilmu al-Kalam as their source to prove the fundamentals of religion and
various matters of belief. As a result of this logical and reasoned
development, there were supporters and opposers. The supporters
developed Ilmu al-Kalam into what it is today and the opposers considered
this heresy and relied on traditional revelation. When researching the
starting point of Ilmu al-Kalam, many scholars and authors had varied
opinions on when exactly this science was originated. Some events in
Islamic history are considered crucial turning points in the development of
Kalam. This paper will clarify the general meaning of theology, define
Kalam, its origin, and its effect on Islamic tradition.
