المعنى الاصطلاحي :

A science that defends faith-related beliefs by providing logical proofs without referring to Shariah-approved proofs.

الشرح المختصر :

"‘Ilm al-Kalām" (scholastic theology) is a science innovated by scholastic theologians discussing the fundamentals of religion to prove their points of view through offering logical proofs without referring to textual proofs. There are several theories as to why it was called "‘Ilm al-Kalām": 1. Scholastic theologians used to title their researches on creeds: "kalām" (discourse) about such-and-such. 2. It provides one with fluency in “kalām” (speaking) about doctrinal topics and defeating the opponents. Hence, it is just as logic is to philosophy. 3. Because the first major dispute in religion was about the “kalām” (speech) of Allah, whether or not it was created. People then began to speak on this matter, hence, it was called "kalām". The term "theologians" includes many groups who adopt this methodology in their creed, such as the "Jahmiyyah", the "Mu‘tazilah", the "Ash‘ariyyah", and others. The righteous predecessors and the great Imams criticized the innovated "‘ilm al-kalām" that opposes the Qur"an and Sunnah. This is because it contains false evidence and rulings that directly entail denial of some of the traditions and teachings of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him.