TEHRAN -- An Iranian scholar and 
philosopher referred to intellect as the greatest divine blessing to humans.
Speaking to IQNA on the occasion of Wisdom and Philosophy Day and the Day of Abu Nasr Farabi marked in Iran on November 20, Professor Gholam Hussein Ebrahimi Dinani answered questions on issues related to intellect, philosophy, wisdom and thought. 
Q: What is the difference between Hikmah (wisdom) and philosophy?
A: They are the same. Philosophy is a Greek word and Hikmah is an Iranian word. Philosophy is a combination of two parts: Philo, which means to like something, and Sophia, which means wisdom. So philosophy is to like wisdom. A philosopher is someone who likes wisdom. Hikmah refers to valuable knowledge that accompanies action. Hikmah has been discussed in the Quran, Hadith, philosophy, Islamic mysticism, etc.
Q: Could you explain about the concept of Hikmah in the Quran and the fact that the Quran is a book of Hikmah?
A: The Holy Book of Islam is full of divine Hikmah. Surah Hud begins with this verse: “Alif. Lam. Ra. This is a book from one who is all-wise and all-aware. Its verses are well composed and distinctly arranged (from one another).”
Like many other verses of the Qur’an, this verse refers to intellect. Philosophy means intellect and everything that is in the Qur’an is in accordance with intellect. There is no status firmer and higher than that of intellect in the world.
Q: So why do people sometimes act contrary to intellect and put their intellect aside?  
A: That’s right. The problem is that sometimes people put their intellect aside and pay more attention to what they want. We should remember that there is always a conflict between knowing and wanting. People usually pursue what they want and try to cover up what they know. This is a human mistake.
Q: Does it mean that all people realize that it is better to live wisely and rationally, but do not act that way for irrational reasons? 
A: Anyone with intellect recognizes this. God has given humans intellect. In fact, intellect is the greatest divine blessing to humans. Those who do wrong realize that they are acting contrary to their intellect but they do it for the sake of their Nafs Ammarah (evil-commanding self).
Q: The Wisdom and Philosophy Day also honors Abu Nasr Farabi. What do say about studying his works?
A: Farabi is one of the greatest philosophers. Farabi and Avicenna are matchless in the world. Farabi has uttered great statements. He is a great philosopher as Avicenna is. People should study their works with the help of experts.
Q: Can you name other Iranian philosophers who have been influential in the development of thought?
A: There are many. Mulla Sadra is one of them. There is also Mirdamad.
Q: In the chaotic world we live in, with reports of wars and conflicts everywhere, how can philosophical reflection help us achieve peace of mind?
A: People are not deep (in their thoughts), and these conflicts are the result of ignorance. One who is wise knows well that the wise in the world have never fought with each other. War is the result of ignorance and wrong beliefs. It has nothing to do with any particular religion. 
Q: You mean man’s intellect does not allow him to engage in war?
A:  Yes, this is true. Intellect never goes to war. If you study the history of philosophy, you’ll see that from the time of Socrates and Plato until now, there has been no philosopher who has killed another philosopher. But there have been philosophers who have been killed by others.
Q: What should we do in this world (from the point of view of philosophy and Hikmah)?
A: I can’t tell you what to do, but I can tell those who are seeking the truth that they shouldn’t be busy with the routine of life. They must study deep philosophical books. The modern world has its own demands, because it has made progress in technology and industry, but not in the field of thought.