Proponents of nearly all varieties of Islamic legal thinking--mu'tazila, ahl-al-hadith, and usuli alike--found intellectual homes in Al Azhar.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: How the Saudis control the voice of Islam in America

But with Saudi money, and in the guise of Wahhabism, the ahl-al-hadith have of late won the upper hand.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: How the Saudis control the voice of Islam in America

Even up until the last part of this century, Greek-inspired rationalists (mu'tazila) argued against puritanical literalists (ahl-al-hadith) and strict constructionists (usulis).

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: How the Saudis control the voice of Islam in America

Another, in the 18th century, was Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, who advocated purging Islam of modern accretions and relying strictly on the Koran and hadith (the record of the prophet's words and deeds).

ECONOMIST: In the name of Islam