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A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.

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The science of speculative theology (Ilm al-Kalam).

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It is a false discipline.

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Its proponents claim that through it, one can establish religious doctrines.

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The salaf condemned it because it does not lead to the intended truth.

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Rather, it sows doubt regarding what is certain.

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And even if it leads to some of the intended truth, it does so only with great affectation and hardship.

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This is contrary to what Allah has made obligatory upon the general body of the Ummah.

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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.

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They wished they had died holding the simple faith of the common Muslims.

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For instance, Imam al-Haramayn al-Juwayni said at the time of his death:

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"I have abandoned the people of Islam and their sciences, and I have plunged into the vast, turbulent sea."

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"And now, if my Lord does not reach me with His mercy, then woe unto me."

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He then added, "Here I am, dying upon the faith of the old women of Nishapur."

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Fakhr al-Din al-Razi expressed similar sentiments.