The rise and development of Reward theory in theological approach

Abstract

Ignoring scripture as the main factor in development of Reward theory, it could be claimed that Reward theory is represented for the first time by some earlier Mutazilites and then, other theologians such as Mutazilites, Zaidis, Shiah and Asharites developed it. There are some concepts of Reward theory in different eras. According to some of them, Reward theory is rejected while in the light of some expositions, it is God’s favor and in accordance with some others, Reward sometime based on merit and sometime is God’s favor. In scripture, Reward has been used literally without merit condition. It seems that Islamic theologians added merit condition under the influence of hadiths. Reward theory is one of the important explanations for the problem of evil and has the main role among Islamic thinkers. This paper analyses various concepts of Reward theory in different eras and clarifies its formation and development.

Keywords

• reward
• primary pains
• validity (grace)
• merit