Ilm al-kalam (speculative theology)

Ilm al-kalam (theology), as Ahmad Amin presents it in Duha al-Islam, is a new science that took shape in the early Abbasid period out of the accumulation of inquiry into creeds. ²

Ahmad Amin lists internal and external causes for its emergence. Among the internal ones: the Qur'an set out the most important sects and religions prevalent in its time and refuted them, and it reported the views of those who denied prophethood and resurrection, and questions of predestination and free will. ²

He notes that the Messenger was commanded to dispute with opponents in the best manner. It was natural for the scholars of the community to follow this method, refuting and renewing their arguments whenever opponents renewed their attacks. ²

Another cause is that when the Muslims finished the conquests and their affairs were settled, their minds began to philosophise about religion, raising disputes and striving to examine them. ²

The external causes are mentioned in the summary of the data only in general terms. Their detail needs a further source.