Investigating the Growth and Expansion Factors of the Mu'tazilite Theological School in Khuzestan (2nd to 4th Century AH)

The Mu'tazilite theological school is one of the most important Islamic theological and intellectual schools that had many supporters in the Islamic world from the second to the fifth century AH. This school of thought was founded in the early second century AH by Wasel ibn Atta (d. 131 AH) in Basra and quickly spread to other Islamic lands. Khuzestan was also affected by this current of thought very soon due to its geographical connection to Basra; According to historical and geographical sources, the prevalence of this school in Khuzestan has been more than any other land. This research intends to study and explain the reasons for the growth and expansion of this theological school in Khuzestan and its historical ups and downs in this region with an analytical look. The main question of the present study is what factors led to the growth and expansion of Etezali ideas in Khuzestan? Findings show that factors such as the geographical and cultural affiliation of Khuzestan to the origin of the Mu'tazilites (Basra), the religious diversity of Khuzestan and the general desire of its people - including properties and the general public - for theological discussions led to the expansion of the Mu'tazilites in Khuzestan.