Definition
Intellect, in the context of Islamic philosophy and theology, is referred to as ʿaql (Arabic: عقل). The term encompasses the faculties of reasoning, understanding, and conceptualization in humans, which are deemed essential for discerning moral truths and engaging in reflective thought.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: عقل (ʿaql), فهم (fahm), ادراك (idrāk)
- Turkish: Akıl, Zihin, Anlayış
Conceptual Framework
Faqīr Jānī Muḥammad ibn Asʿad, in his work the Akhlāq-i-Jalālī, delineates the bifurcation of the reasonable mind into two main powers:
1. The Power of Perception
This comprises:
- Observative Intellect: Acts as a receptor of celestial ideas, forming the initial material of knowledge.
- Active Intellect: Engages in thought and reflection, initiating physical actions.
This perceptive faculty, in conjunction with appetent and vindictive powers, cultivates various states that stimulate action or emotion (e.g., shame, laughter, crying). It also aids in formulating imaginative and rational concepts, such as the goodness of truth and the maliciousness of falsehood.
2. The Power of Impulsion
This comprises:
- Vindictive Power: Source of repelling disagreeable elements.
- Appetent Power: Source of acquiring agreeable elements.
Contributions and Further Studies
To delve deeper into the exploration of ʿaql and its thorough understanding in Islamic thought, the following books are recommended:
- “The Philosophy of Illumination” by Suhrawardi
- “The Book of Wisdom (Hikmat al-Ishraq)” by Naṣīr al-Dīn al-Ṭūsī
- “The Incoherence of the Philosophers” by Al-Ghazālī
- “Naming Infinity: A True Story of Religious Mysticism and Mathematical Creativity” by Loren Graham and Jean-Michel Kantor
Takeaways and Conclusion
The concept of ʿaql (عقل) in Islam is multifaceted, encompassing both the cognitive and motivational aspects of human intellect. The division of intellect into perceptive and impulsive capacities highlights its comprehensive role in guiding moral and rational behavior. Understanding ʿaql not only enriches one’s comprehension of Islamic philosophy but also reflects the depth of integrated thought processes embedded in the religious framework.
Exploring the intricacies and scope of ʿaql can illuminate how Islamic intellectual tradition perceives human reason and its pivotal role in shaping ethical and theological perspectives.
