Al-ʿUqūlu ʾl-ʿAsharah (العقول العشرة)
Definition
Al-ʿUqūlu ʾl-ʿAsharah (Arabic: العقول العشرة) translates to “The Ten Intelligences.” This concept refers to a group of ten hierarchically arranged intelligences (or angels) in Islamic Neoplatonic cosmology. According to Islamic philosophers, these intelligences were created by God in a systematic manner, each associated with the creation of a separate heaven, leading ultimately to the creation of the material world.
Etymology
The term “Al-ʿUqūlu ʾl-ʿAsharah” is derived from Arabic:
- Al-ʿUqūl (العقول) - The plural form of “ʿAql,” meaning “intellect” or “intelligence.”
- Al-ʾAsharah (العشرة) - The number “ten.”
Interpretations and Expanded Explanation
In classical Islamic philosophy, notably inspired by Neoplatonism, the process of creation is seen as a cascade of emanations from the Divine. This cosmology was detailed by philosophers like Al-Farabi and Ibn Sina (Avicenna). Here’s a step-by-step enumeration of how the ten intelligences are believed to have been created:
- First Intelligence - Created directly by God (Allah).
- Second Intelligence and First Heaven - Created by the First Intelligence.
- Third Intelligence and Second Heaven - Created by the Second Intelligence.
- Fourth Intelligence and Third Heaven - Created by the Third Intelligence.
- Fifth Intelligence and Fourth Heaven - Created by the Fourth Intelligence.
- Sixth Intelligence and Fifth Heaven - Created by the Fifth Intelligence.
- Seventh Intelligence and Sixth Heaven - Created by the Sixth Intelligence.
- Eighth Intelligence and Seventh Heaven - Created by the Seventh Intelligence.
- Ninth Intelligence and Eighth Heaven - Created by the Eighth Intelligence.
- Tenth Intelligence and Ninth Heaven - The Tenth Intelligence, by Divine command, brings forth the entire material world.
This metaphysical framework was highly influential and mapped out an understanding of the cosmos that bridged theology and philosophy.
Translations
- Arabic: العقول العشرة
- Turkish: On Akıllar
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Islamic Philosophy from Its Origin to the Present: Philosophy in the Land of Prophecy” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- “The Encyclopedia of Islamic Philosophy” edited by Oliver Leaman and Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- “Alfarabi and the Foundation of Islamic Political Philosophy” by Muhsin S. Mahdi
- “The Islamic Intellectual Tradition in Persia” by Mehdi Aminrazavi and Seyyed Hossein Nasr
Takeaways and Conclusion
The concept of Al-ʿUqūlu ʾl-ʿAsharah forms a cornerstone in understanding Islamic Neoplatonic cosmology. This elaborate system of ten intellects crucially bridges the physical and metaphysical realms, offering a structured hierarchy within the Islamic philosophic and theological landscape. By exploring this, one gains deep insights into the sophisticated interplay between faith and rationality that characterized classical Islamic thought.
In conclusion, knowledge of the Ten Intelligences not only enriches comprehension of Islamic philosophy but also highlights the significant efforts of Muslim thinkers to harmonize and advance the realms of religion and science.
