Maturidi is a term primarily used in Islamic theology to describe the followers of the Hanafi school of Islamic jurisprudence who adhere to the theological teachings of the great scholar Abu Mansur al-Maturidi. Other terms that can be used as synonyms for Maturidi include Maturidism, Maturidiyyah and Maturidian theology. The Maturidi school is known for its emphasis on reason and rationality in theological discourse, as well as its opposition to strict literalism in interpreting Islamic texts. Maturidi scholars were instrumental in developing the Islamic concept of 'kalam', which refers to the use of reasoned argumentation and dialectical reasoning in theological discussions.