The Meaning of Intelligence in Islam

What does Aql mean? Shaykh Yasir Qadhi explores the linguistic and Islamic meaning.  Aql means something that reigns over us during times of danger, foolishness and stupidity. The Aqil is a good worshiper of Allah. Everyone who sins in a state of ignorance and then repents, Allah will forgive them. This reasserts the fact that a Jahil or ignorant person is one who commits a sin and not the one who is blessed with Aql. The purpose of Aql is to recognize the truth and to shy away from it is utter foolishness, no matter what is the length and breadth of one’s achievements.