[Scholars’ Statements Condemning Speculative Theology]

This argument and others like it address the substantive dispute. Hence, many distinguished scholars who considered this method obligatory and valid later abandoned that position. It became clear to them that this speculative theology was blameworthy—indeed, invalid. Statements to this effect occur in the writings of several of them, including Abū al-Ma‘ālī, Ibn ‘Aqīl, Abū Hāmid, al-Rāzī, and others. At one time they affirmed the validity of this method, even declaring it obligatory; at another, they condemned it or demonstrated its invalidity.

Toward the end of his life, Abū al-Ma‘ālī said:

“I left the Muslims and their sciences behind, ventured upon the vast ocean, and plunged into what they had forbidden. Now I have turned away from it all and returned to the word of truth. Hold fast to the faith of old women. If the Truth does not come to my aid through His kindness, then let me die upon the faith of old women; otherwise, woe to Ibn al-Juwaynī!”