Question:
May Allah be good to you. [The questioner] asks: Is the real dispute between Ahl al-Sunnah (the People of Sunnah) and the Mu’tazilah concerning one issue only? And did you say that? What is this issue?
Answer:
The dispute between Ahl al-Sunnah and the Mu’tazilah spans many issues. The most important of these is the source of derivation.
The Mu’tazilah do not derive their creed from the Book [the Quran] and the Sunnah; rather, they derive it from Ilm al-Kalam (speculative theology) and the rules of logic and debate. They do not seek proof through verses [of the Quran] and Hadiths; rather, they seek proof through logical rules and speculative theology.
On the other hand, Ahl al-Sunnah take their creed from the Book of Allah and from the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and [it is] from the guidance of the Salaf al-Salih (righteous predecessors).
Ahl al-Sunnah believe in the names and attributes of Allah that have come in the Book and the Sunnah in a manner that befits Allah, and they affirm them. The Mu’tazilah negate them; they negate the names and attributes from Allah—Majestic and Exalted—and divest Him of His names and attributes.
Ahl al-Sunnah affirm ‘divine decree and predestination’ (al-qada’ wa-al-qadar), which is a pillar among the pillars of faith. Belief in divine decree and predestination is one of the six pillars of faith.
The Mu’tazilah do not believe in divine decree and predestination; they negate divine decree and predestination and say that the servant creates his own action, and that Allah did not decree faith, disbelief, or actions upon him; rather, he is completely independent in himself.
How can the Mu’tazilah align with Ahl al-Sunnah despite these major oppositions?