The Mu'tazilite school of thought emerged in the early Islamic period, around the 8th century. It emphasized reason and rationality in understanding faith, arguing that human intellect could discern moral truths. The Mu'tazilites believed in the importance of free will, asserting that individuals are responsible for their actions, which contrasts with the idea of predestination. They also held that the attributes of God should not be anthropomorphized, advocating for a more abstract understanding of the divine. This approach led to significant theological debates with other groups, such as the Ash'arites, who had differing views on the nature of God and human agency.