A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.
The science of speculative theology (Ilm al-Kalam).
It is a false discipline.
Its proponents claim that through it, one can establish religious doctrines.
The salaf condemned it because it does not lead to the intended truth.
Rather, it sows doubt regarding what is certain.
And even if it leads to some of the intended truth, it does so only with great affectation and hardship.
This is contrary to what Allah has made obligatory upon the general body of the Ummah.
Many prominent figures who occupied themselves with speculative theology expressed regret at the end of their lives for the time they had wasted on it.
They wished they had died holding the simple faith of the common Muslims.
For instance, Imam al-Haramayn al-Juwayni said at the time of his death:
"I have abandoned the people of Islam and their sciences, and I have plunged into the vast, turbulent sea."
"And now, if my Lord does not reach me with His mercy, then woe unto me."
He then added, "Here I am, dying upon the faith of the old women of Nishapur."
Fakhr al-Din al-Razi expressed similar sentiments.