Müteâlen

Müteâlen is a term used in Islamic philosophy and theology to refer to abstract, intelligible realities or concepts that are apprehended through the intellect rather than the senses. These are often contrasted with material objects or sensory experiences. In essence, müteâlen are entities that transcend the physical world and are known through rational thought and contemplation.

The concept of müteâlen is deeply rooted in the Neoplatonic influence on early Islamic thought. Philosophers like Al-Farabi and Ibn Sina extensively discussed these intelligible realities. They posited that the human intellect, through a process of abstraction and purification, can grasp these higher realities. This understanding is considered a form of knowledge that is more certain and enduring than empirical knowledge, which is perceived through the senses and is subject to change and illusion.

Müteâlen can encompass a wide range of concepts, including universal principles, abstract forms, and even divine intelligences or emanations. For example, the concept of "justice" or "beauty" in its pure, abstract form would be considered a müteâlen. Likewise, the intellect's capacity to understand mathematical truths or logical principles falls within this domain. The ultimate goal for many philosophers was to ascend to the contemplation of the highest müteâlen, which often led towards an understanding of the divine or the First Cause.