The Ontological and Epistemological Position of Human Intellect as Viewed by Ibn Arabi

`Aql, intellect, with regard to its lexical meaning, essential properties and requisites is common in all intellectual beings, from the first intellect to human intellectual ability. On this reason, Ibn Arabi, when saying of intellect, regards its lexical meaning. Human intellects is viewed by him to be the grace and manifestation of the first. On this basis, the essence of human intellects, like that of the first intellect, is light and immaterial. Variety and numerous state of human souls lie in their corporeal aptitudes, not in their agent. Human intellect is of two aspects: one is for controlling natural instincts and directing them to lawful deeds. The other functions as a way and means for human knowledge of reality. Human intellect is of an immaterial identity and functions like a light that lighten the things. It, therefore, can perceive reality in accordance to its ability. Human intellect enjoys mental power to attain knowledge or take it from the Divine directly.