The Mutazilites were a theological group in early Islamic history, emerging in the 8th century. They emphasized reason and rational thought in understanding faith, advocating that human intellect could discern moral truths. This approach led them to challenge traditional beliefs, particularly regarding the nature of God and the Qur'an. Central to Mutazilite thought was the belief in free will, asserting that humans are responsible for their actions. They argued against the idea of predestination, promoting the notion that divine justice requires human accountability. Their influence waned by the 10th century but left a lasting impact on Islamic philosophy and theology.