The Light of ‘Aql (Intellect) in Islamic Philosophy
Understanding the Role of Reason in Faith through the Quran and Islamic Teachings
In the vast tradition of Islamic philosophy, few concepts are as foundational and celebrated as ‘Aql—the intellect. Far from being a mere faculty of logic or calculation, ‘Aql is regarded as the very light by which the soul perceives truth, distinguishes right from wrong, and journeys toward the Divine. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) is reported to have said,
“There is no wealth like intellect (‘Aql), and no poverty like ignorance (Jahl)” (al-Kāfī, vol. 1, p. 11).
This profound statement encapsulates the centrality of intellect in the Islamic worldview.
‘Aql: The Foundation of Faith
‘Aql is not only a tool for understanding but the very foundation upon which faith is built. Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) is reported in al-Kāfī to have said:
“Intellect (‘Aql) is that by which the Merciful is worshipped and by which Paradise is attained. Whoever does not have intellect, his religion is not accepted.” (al-Kāfī, vol. 1, hadith 12)
This narration highlights that ‘Aql is the means by which one recognises God, understands revelation, and acts righteously. The Quran itself repeatedly calls upon believers to use their reason:
“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of the night and the day, are signs for those of understanding (ulū al-albāb).”
(Quran, Surah Al-I-Imran, Chapter 3, The Family of Imran, Verse 190)
The Interplay of Reason and Revelation
Scholars have long emphasised that reason and revelation are not in conflict. Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said:
“The intellect (‘Aql) is the support of man.” (Nahj al-Balāgha, Saying 78)
He also stated:
“The intellect is a king and its army is knowledge.” (Nahj al-Balāgha, Saying 103)
These sayings reflect the view that while revelation (naql) provides divine guidance, it is the intellect that allows one to comprehend and implement that guidance. The Quran affirms this harmony:
“Will they not then ponder on the Quran? If it had been from other than Allah, they would have found within it much contradiction.” (Quran, Surah, An-Nisa, Chapter 4, The Women, Verse 82)
The Perfection of Intellect
Philosophers such as Mulla Sadra and Allama Tabataba’i have described the perfection of ‘Aql as the ultimate goal of the soul’s journey. Imam al-Baqir (peace be upon him) is reported to have said:
“When Allah created intellect, He said to it: ‘Come forward,’ and it came forward. Then He said: ‘Go back,’ and it went back. Then He said: ‘By My power and majesty, I have not created a creation more beloved to Me than you. Through you I take, and through you I give. Through you I reward, and through you I punish.’” (al-Kāfī, vol. 1, hadith 1)
This narration illustrates that ‘Aql is not only a means of understanding but also the criterion by which human beings are judged and rewarded.
Intellect as Light and Guide
Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) further explained:
“Intellect is that by which one worships the Most Merciful and attains Paradise.” (al-Kāfī, vol. 1, hadith 12)
The Quran describes the intellect as a light:
“Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth…” Quran, Surah An-Nur, Chapter 24, The Light, Verse 35)
While this verse is often interpreted metaphorically, many commentators see in it an allusion to the light of guidance, which is accessed through both revelation and the intellect.
Conclusion
In summary, ‘Aql in the Islamic philosophy is the faculty that enables humans to recognise truth, understand revelation, and act with wisdom. It is both a light that illuminates the path to God and a power that governs desire and impulse. As Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said:
“The intellect is the guide of the believer.” (Nahj al-Balāgha, Saying 96)
Thus, the journey of faith is, at its core, a journey of the intellect—one that leads the soul ever closer to the Divine.