The term "Ash'ari" refers to a theological school of thought within Sunni Islam, founded by the scholar Abu al-Hasan al-Ash'ari in the 10th century. This school emphasizes the importance of divine revelation and the use of reason in understanding faith. Ash'ari theology seeks to balance the attributes of God with the limitations of human understanding, advocating for a belief in God's absolute power and knowledge. Ash'ari thought became influential in Islamic philosophy and is often contrasted with the Mu'tazila school, which emphasizes rationalism. The Ash'ari approach has been adopted by many Sunni Muslims and is considered a foundational aspect of Islamic orthodoxy, shaping discussions on topics like predestination and the nature of God's attributes.