and an angel: you may mean this particular human being, in which case the reference is particular; or the entire human species, in which case it is general; or the human being without qualification, abstracted from any restriction to the general or particular, its numerical scope being expressed as few or many. The first form concerns superiority both generally and particularly; the second, generally; the third, particularly; and the fourth concerns essence considered without qualification and in abstraction.

We may then say:

As regards the question considered in this way, I know of no earlier statement that explains it. Some people may have argued for the superiority of angels, and others for the superiority of human beings. This question may also have been confused with that of superiority between the righteous and others. Yet what has occurred to me—and Allah knows best what is correct—is that angelic essence is more perfect and more exalted, while human essence is simpler and more comprehensive.

The explanation is as follows:

When we consider the two essences and their intrinsic and consequent attributes, whether inseparable or predominant—life, knowledge, and power in relation to pleasures and desires—we find, first, that the angel is created with a grander form; his abode is higher; his life is more vigorous; his knowledge is greater; his faculties are stronger; his purity and freedom from defilement are more complete; and his attainment of what he seeks is easier and more complete. He is also further removed from whatever is incompatible with him or opposed to him. Yet these attributes are also found in the human being, according to his essence, with a more abundant share of them—of life, physical constitution, knowledge, power, purity, and so forth.

The human being also possesses things that the angel does not: his perception of subtle things through the senses and the intellect, and his enjoyment, in body and heart, of what he perceives. He eats, drinks, has sexual relations, forms wishes, and takes nourishment