Quran: Created or Uncreated?

One of the most controversial historical divides between the rationalists (Muʿtazilites) and the traditionalists (Sunnis) in 9th-century Islam was the nature of the Quran and whether it was created or uncreated. On one side, Mutazilites vehemently argued the Quran was created, asserting that since the Quran is the word of God, He “must have preceded His own speech.” 1 Sunnis, on the other hand, took the hardline opposing view that is best encompassed in the following statement by at-Tabari, “whoever says otherwise [that the Qruan was created] is an infidel whose blood may be shed and from whom God has dissociated Himself.” 2

Although this debate may appear trivial initially, it holds broad metaphysical implications. The stance one takes on this issue profoundly impacts our understanding of God and the fundamental nature of reality itself. It’s not just a simple matter; it’s a window into how we conceptualize the divine and our place in the cosmos. This wasn’t merely about scriptural interpretation; it was a struggle to define the fabric of truth and reality by understanding the nature of God and His words.

Historical Background (The Abbasids)

In 750 CE / 132 AH, the Abbasids overthrew the Umayyad Caliphate. The Abbasid caliphs were Arabs who traced their lineage to Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib, an uncle of the Prophet Muhammad. They belonged to the same Banu Hashim clan of the Quraish as Muhammad. The Abbasids asserted their right to the caliphate, claiming that their closer bloodline to Muhammad made them the rightful successors to the Umayyad caliphs, who were descended from the Banu Umayya clan of the Quraish.