1. Islamic theological philosophy that attempts to reconcile faith and reason; scholastic theology in Islam.
Usage: formal; academic; Islamic studies
2. In South Asian contexts, a traditional Islamic school or seminary.
Usage: regional; South Asian English

Examples

• Kalam emerged as Muslim scholars sought to defend Islamic doctrine using Greek philosophical methods.
• The development of kalam was crucial in medieval Islamic intellectual history.
• Students at the kalam studied Quranic interpretation and Islamic law.
• Kalam represents an important tradition of rational inquiry within Islamic thought.
• Many prominent Muslim philosophers contributed to the advancement of kalam.