A Comparative Study of Shi’a and Mu’Tazila’ Statements Regarding “The Necessity of Accepting Repentance” by God

Abstract

One of the most important and frequent Quranic teachings is the subject of repentance. Repentance or return is attributed to both God and servant. In speculative theology (Kalām) of sects, although there is consensus between Shi'a and Mu'tazila on some topics, accepting repentance is not the case. Mu'tazilites of Basra believe that accepting repentance is an intellectual obligation on behalf of God, and if he does not accept, he has performed an ugly act, while Ashʿarites, Imāmīyyah, and Mu'tazilites of Baghdad believe that accepting repentance is due to God's grace over his servants. The Mu'tazila have based their claims on two rational reasons and a Qur'anic reason, and their belief is centered on "permanence in fire for sinners". The results of this study, conducted by analytical-descriptive method, indicate that such a belief will lead to "people’s influence on god" and "God’s deserving of blame ", both of which are impossible. According to several verses, God has promised the acceptance of repentance from the sinner, and breach of promise is ugly; thus, accepting repentance is not rational but is aural, and because God has promised to accept it, he accepts it.

Keywords

• the word of shi'a
• mu'tazila
• repentance
• obligatory
• divine promise
• purity in punishment