Scientific Matters in Kalām (Theology)

Abstract

One of the themes extensively discussed in Islamic theology was the ontology of created beings. While exploring this topic the mutakallimūn developed a considerable number of concepts and theories concerning the physical structure of the world. One of them was atomism, which became a common feature of all kalām schools, being heavily disputed at the same time by the philosophers. Another prominent theory was occasionalism stressing God’s absolute power and negating any kind of natural causality. It was not only advocated by Muslim theologians but left a long impression on the history of philosophy both in the Islamicate world and in Europe. Further scientific matters discussed in kalām were the concepts of space and time as well as issues related to cosmology and astronomy.