Al-Aql al-Awwal
العقل الأول
al-ʿAql al-Awwal
🤔Philosophy
The First Intellect; the first creation in Ismaili cosmology.
Full Definition
In Ismaili cosmology, al-Aql al-Awwal (Universal Intellect or First Intellect) is the first being created by God through the divine command (ibda'). It represents the principle of divine wisdom and knowledge from which all subsequent creation emanates. The First Intellect produces the Universal Soul (al-Nafs al-Kulliyya), initiating the cosmic hierarchy. This concept reflects Ismaili engagement with Neoplatonic philosophy.