Page 327 - Proceedings Collega2023

2.1 What is the “Real Light”
Al-Ghazali's work revolves around the profound idea that Allah (God) is the ultimate Light, and this
Light has significant philosophical and spiritual implications in Islamic thought. His exploration of light
encompasses three fundamental aspects related to human perception. In his view, light is intricately tied
to our perceptive faculties. He divides it into three categories. Firstly, light requires a perceptive spirit. It
means that light, on its own, remains invisible. Its visibility is contingent on two essential elements: the
presence of light itself and a capable observer. In simpler terms, light alone cannot reveal anything to
someone who lacks the ability to see. Thus, the presence of a perceptive spirit, akin to a seeing eye, is vital
for the process of perception. Secondly, some light sources, like stars or a pre-blazing fire, are visible but
do not illuminate other objects. In such cases, perception occurs not directly through the light itself but
rather when the light is present and the eyes can perceive it. Lastly, there is self-luminous light,
encompassing visible light sources such as the sun, the moon, a blazing fire, and lamps. In this case, "light"
is both visible in itself and capable of making other things visible. For instance, the sun's light falls on the
Earth, serving as both self-illuminating and revealing other objects.

2.1.1 The Weaknesses of Physical Sight
Al-Ghazali points out seven limitations of physical sight. Physical vision, especially through the
eyes, is contrasted with the remarkable capabilities of human intelligence. The points in his writings about
the physical sights and the concept of intelligence or in other words illumination can be summed in seven
key take aways.

1. Intelligence's Self-Perception: Intelligence has the unique ability to perceive itself, including its
knowledge, power, and attributes, in an infinite chain of self-awareness. Hence, intelligence possesses
a unique ability to self-perceive, comprehending its knowledge, power, and attributes in an infinite
chain of self-awareness. Unlike the eye, which can only perceive objects within a limited range,
intelligence is not bound by such limitations and can explore the heavens and the earth without
constraint.
2. Exploration Beyond the Physical Realm: Intelligence is depicted as having the freedom to move beyond
the physical realm and explore the inner realities of things that are hidden behind the veil, suggesting
a connection to metaphysical or spiritual dimensions.
3. Inward Understanding: While the physical eye can only see the surface of things and deduce their
external causes and laws, intelligence can delve into the innermost aspects of things, comprehending
their essential nature, spirits, and underlying principles.
4. Comprehensive Perception: The passage emphasizes that intelligence is not limited to the physical
world of colour and form, as the eye is. It can also perceive inner qualities, such as sounds, smells,
tastes, sensations, emotions, and more. This comprehensive perception sets intelligence apart from
the limited scope of the eye.
5. Capacity to Grasp the Infinite: While the human eye is bound to finite attributes and struggles to
perceive the infinite, intelligence, with its capacity to understand abstract concepts, can potentially
grasp the concept of infinity in its own unique way.
6. Perception of True Size and Motion: The limitations of the human eye in accurately perceiving the true
size and motion of objects are contrasted with the idea that intelligence can apprehend reality without
such errors.

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