Editing Ismailism (section)

==='Aql===
{{Main|'Aql}}
As with other Shia, Ismāʿīlīs believe that the understanding of God is derived from the first light in the universe, the light of 'Aql, which in Arabic roughly translates as '[[Nous|Intellect]]' or to 'bind' (Latin: Intellectus). It is through this Universal Intellect ('aql al-kull) that all living and non-living entities know God, and all of humanity is dependent and united in this light.<ref name="Alamut" /><ref name="alkafi">{{cite book |title=Kitab al-Kafi}}</ref> Contrastingly, in Twelver thought this includes the Prophets as well, especially Muhammad, who is the greatest of all the manifestations of 'Aql.

God, in Ismaʻili metaphysics, is seen as above and beyond all conceptions, names, and descriptions. He transcends all positive and negative qualities, and knowledge of God as such is above all human comprehension.{{cn|date=May 2022}}

For the Shia, the Light (''nur'') of the Imamate is the Universal Intellect, and consequently, the Imam on earth is the focus of manifestation (''mazhar'') of the Intellect.{{cn|date=May 2022}}