notifications_active Weekly Meshkat-e Noor Session: Thursdays at 20:30 at Haj Reza Mosque
Is everything called intellect derived from the light of the intellect of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)? If so, what is meant by all those things people claim to be intellect?
How can we know whether what we have attained is an inner proof, derived from the light of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)?
The intellect is an existential reality that functions like the brain of the vast Muhammadan system, governing and guiding the faculties of thought, understanding, and other human virtues. Connecting with this network of intellect expands our capacity to grasp truths and follow God’s straight path; it is the interpreter of our innate nature.
“Intellect” means intellect: the reality of the intellect as the brain of the vast Muhammadan system. This intellect—the great brain—is like a supercomputer, forming an immense network of intellect to which the brains of created beings are connected, each drawing upon it according to its capacity.
We must understand that by “intellect” is meant not thought or reflection, but a system that manages and guides the faculties of thought, discernment and understanding, along with other noble faculties such as knowledge, modesty, faith, piety and courage. It reaches its fullest expression when a person chooses what is true and real and sets out on God’s straight path.
From one perspective, the intellect is the interpreter and key to human nature, bringing to light truths that are inscribed, recorded, known and recognised. Through the intellect, the book of divine unity, prophethood, imamate, resurrection, and so on—written in human nature—is read and made manifest.
فکنا أنوارا بأرواح و أسماع و أبصار و نطق و حس و عقل و کان الله الخالق و نحن المخلوقون و الله المکون و نحن المکونون
*Al-Hidaya al-Kubra*, p. 380