When the tables were turned against the Mu‘tazilis (from 236/850), the intolerance they showed during the inquisition (212–36/827–50) towards those Muslims who did not share their views was visited on the Mu‘tazilis by the Traditionists. The downfall of the Mu‘tazila meant that the Traditionists, with their literal reading of texts related to theology, were in the ascendancy.