The Mu'tazilites were an influential group of Islamic theologians that emerged in the 8th century. They emphasized reason and rational thought in understanding faith, advocating for the use of logic to interpret the Qur'an and Hadith. Their beliefs included the idea of free will and the importance of justice, arguing that God is inherently just and does not act arbitrarily. The Mu'tazilite school of thought played a significant role in shaping Islamic philosophy and theology. They engaged in debates with other groups, such as the Ash'arites, and their ideas influenced later Islamic scholars. Their legacy continues to be studied in contemporary discussions of Islamic thought.