and their legacy is a great ordeal for the community and a grave trial for those who examine them. There is no might or power except through Allah.

Abū Hāmid al-Ghazālī said in the book he entitled Ihyā’ ‘Ulūm al-Dīn (The Revival of the Religious Sciences), one of his greatest works:

“If you ask, ‘Is studying disputation and speculative theology blameworthy, like studying astrology; permissible, like studying medicine; or recommended?’ know that people have gone to excessive extremes on this matter.

“Some say that it is an innovation and forbidden, and that it is better for a servant to meet Allah bearing every sin except associating partners with Him than to meet Him bearing speculative theology.

“Others say that it is obligatory, whether collectively or individually, and that it is the finest of deeds and the highest means of drawing near to Allah, for it firmly establishes knowledge of divine oneness and defends Allah’s religion.