 Ideologically , al @-@ Mu 'tasim followed the footsteps of al @-@ Ma 'mun , continuing his predecessor 's support for Mu 'tazilism , a theological doctrine that attempted to tread a middle way between secular monarchy and the theocratic nature of rulership espoused by the Alids and the various sects of Shi 'ism . Mu <unk> espoused the view that the Quran was created and hence fell within the authority of a God @-@ guided <unk> to interpret according to the changing circumstances . While revering Ali , they also avoided taking a position on the righteousness of the opposing sides in the conflict between Ali and his opponents . Mu 'tazilism was officially adopted by al @-@ Ma 'mun in 827 , and in 833 , shortly before his death , al @-@ Ma 'mun made its doctrines compulsory , with the establishment of an inquisition , the miḥna . Al @-@ Mu 'tasim played an active role in the enforcement of the miḥna in the western provinces , and continued on the same course after his accession : the chief advocate of Mu 'tazilism , the head <unk> Ahmad ibn Abi <unk> , was perhaps the dominant influence at the caliphal court throughout al @-@ Mu 'tasim 's reign . 
