Allama Iqbal: The Catalyst for the Renaissance of the Muslim

Ummah

Abstract
In the present day, Allama Iqbal's work has been mostly forgotten among the newest generation,
knowing only the surface of his work without much in depth knowledge. In this article we will
be discussing Alama Iqbal and his work in detail: his history, beliefs, teachings and his impact on
the Muslim Ummah in Pakistan.

Alama Iqbal's visionary ideas and powerful writings played a pivotal role in the formation of
Pakistan and continue to influence individuals and movements. Iqbal's early life and education in
Sialkot instilled a deep sense of morality and cultural appreciation within him, which were a
major influence in his poetry.

Iqbal's philosophical work emphasized the need for Muslims to reinterpret their religious thought
to address contemporary challenges, promoting concepts like Ijtihad and critical thinking. He
envisioned a revival of the Muslim world through the pursuit of knowledge and belief in Allah.
He advocated for the integration of cultural heritage with modern beliefs to allow Muslims to
adapt to the wildly changing world.

His poetry discussed a wide array of topics and issues prevalent during his life time. While this
does make them dated when reading them in the present day, their underlying themes still mostly
hold true today.

In the political realm, Iqbal advocated for Islamic democracy and social justice. His philosophy
influenced leaders like Muhammad Ali Jinnah and movements like the Khudi movement.

Iqbal's concept of "Khudi" focused on individuality, self-actualization, and the importance of

understanding the Quran, aligning with the need for action and self-improvement. He believed
that education was key to strengthening the will of mankind, echoing Piaget's theory of child
development.

While celebrated, Iqbal's ideas face criticism for their applicability in modern governance and
diverse contexts. Controversial poems like "Shikwat" raised concerns among scholars.
Nevertheless, Iqbal's enduring legacy serves as a guiding light for intellectual, social, and
spiritual development in the Muslim Ummah, influencing scholars, leaders, and artists across
Pakistan.
Introduction
The impact of eminent philosopher, poet, and statesman Allama Iqbal went much beyond
Pakistan's boundaries. During a turbulent period in the Muslim world, he emerged as a beacon of
hope, addressing challenges like as political unrest, oppressive rule, and the desire for the right to
self- Muslims were moved by his poetic and philosophic visions, which encouraged them to fight
for their own nation in order to preserve their customs in the areas of religion and culture. Iqbal's
passionate vision was essential to the birth of Pakistan because it gave Muslims throughout the
Indian subcontinent a forum to come together and realize their long-held dream of becoming a
republic

Iqbal's Early Life and Education

Allama Iqbal was born into a family of Kashmiri heritage in Sialkot, which is now a part of
Pakistan. His childhood was firmly anchored in the principles of education and religion. His
mother, well-known for her religiosity, and father, a well-respected tailor, gave him a strong
sense of morality and a profound regard for his cultural background. From an early age, Iqbal's
desire for knowledge was obvious. His early schooling was at Sialkot, where he showed an
exceptional talent for studying. Because of his educational excellence, he was accepted into
famous universities in Germany, England, and Lahore. During his time overseas, Iqbal was
exposed to a wide variety of intellectual and philosophic influences, which broadened his
perspectives. The Philosophical Foundations. But Iqbal's inventive and intellectual growth was
mostly influenced by Islamic literary and philosophical works. He immersed himself in the
writings of notable Muslim thinkers and writers of poetry, absorbing Islamic knowledge and
lyrical legacies. His works eventually contributed to reviving the lost Spirit of Muslim Ummah.

Iqbal's philosophical work, "The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam," explores the
need for Muslims to reinterpret and revitalize their religious thought in order to address the
challenges of the modern world. It emphasizes the importance of reason, spirituality, and the
dynamic nature of Islamic teachings.

Iqbal believed in the concept of Ijtihad, which is the reinterpretation of Islamic principles in light
of changing times. He emphasized the need for Muslims to engage in critical thinking and adapt
Islamic teachings to address contemporary challenges.

Iqbal's Vision for the Muslim Ummah

Iqbal envisioned a revival and renaissance of the Muslim world through a combination of
spiritual, intellectual, and social reforms. He emphasized the importance of self-reflection, self-
renewal, and the pursuit of knowledge to restore the Muslim ummah to its former glory. He
believed that by embracing their unique cultural heritage and embracing modern advancements,
Muslims could reclaim their position as a leading force in the world.

Cultural legacy and Modernity: Iqbal propagated the ideas that it was essential for Muslims to
embrace both their rich cultural legacy and the latest prevalent changes in an integrated manner
so that People could be able to go forward while adhering to their heritage and as a result due to
this fusion, Muslims would guarantee that they might reclaim their historical importance.

Education and Enlightenment: Iqbal placed a strong emphasis on education. He supported

education at all levels because he believed that knowledge is the key to change. He thought that a
more informed and knowledgeable society would be better able to guide the Muslim world
towards development, change and prosperity.

Iqbal understood the need of evolution and flexibility in a world that was changing quickly. He
urged Muslims to hold fast to their fundamental beliefs while remaining receptive to new
concepts, developments, and innovation. Iqbal zealously defended equity and equitable
treatment for Muslims. He thought that social and economic inequality stood in the way of the
Muslim community's advancement and cohesion. This worry was often expressed in his poems.
In the well-known poem "Lab Pe Aati Hai Dua Ban Ke Tamanna Meri" (My lips utter a
prayer, a longing), Iqbal challenged young people to reach higher goals and rise above the
constraints from their social and economic circumstances. When the Muslim world was battling
colonization and financial slavery in the early 20th century, Iqbal's theories on social and
economic reforms were especially pertinent. In the Indian subcontinent, many Muslims have
experienced financial marginalization as a result of British colonial authority. During this time,
Iqbal's demands for equitable treatment and financial independence found resonance with the
public.

Iqbal's Poetry and Literature

Iqbal's poetry beautifully explores themes of self-identity, spirituality, and social justice. His
verses delve into the depths of human existence, urging individuals to discover their true selves
and embrace their unique identities. Through his poetry, Iqbal also emphasizes the importance of
spirituality, encouraging a deeper connection with the divine. Additionally, he advocates for
social justice, highlighting the need for equality, compassion, and fairness in society. His poetry
serves as a powerful medium to inspire self-reflection, spiritual growth, and a commitment to
creating a just and harmonious world.

Iqbal's use of Persian and Urdu as mediums for expressing his ideas was remarkable. He
skillfully blended the richness of Persian language and the accessibility of Urdu to convey his
profound thoughts and emotions. This combination allowed him to reach a wider audience and
effectively communicate his messages of self-realization, spirituality, and social justice. His
mastery of both languages added depth and beauty to his poetry, making it resonate with people
from diverse backgrounds.

Political and Social Influence

Iqbal played a significant role in the political sphere and had a profound impact on the formation
of Pakistan. His vision for a separate homeland for Muslims in British India laid the foundation
for the idea of Pakistan.
Iqbal believed in the principles of Islamic democracy and social justice. He envisioned a system
where Islamic values and principles would guide the governance of society, ensuring fairness,
equality, and the well-being of all individuals. He emphasized the importance of social justice,
calling for the elimination of exploitation and the establishment of a just and equitable society.

Legacy and Influence

Iqbal's philosophy has influenced numerous prominent figures and movements. Leaders like
Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, were deeply inspired by Iqbal's vision for a
separate homeland for Muslims. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, a prominent Indian freedom
fighter, was influenced by Iqbal's ideas on self-identity and spirituality. The Khudi movement,
which emphasizes self-realization and empowerment, also draws direct inspiration from Iqbal's
teachings. These are just a few examples of the many individuals and movements that have been
shaped by Iqbal's philosophy.

Writing as a Push to Conduct: Iqbal's poetry was frequently used as a strong call to action. In
his poetry "Shaheen" (The Eagle), for example, he created the notion of the "Shaheen" (eagle),
which represents an ambitious and steadfast person who aspires for self-actualization and
change. This philosophy had a huge influence on the young of the period, inspiring them to
actively shape their own lives.

Significance to the All-India Muslim League: Iqbal's poems was crucial in defining the All-
India Muslim League's ideology and desire for a distinct Muslim state. His poem "Tarana-e-
Milli" (Community Anthem) established an appeal to unity for Indian subcontinent Muslims,
fostering togetherness and a common sense of destiny. This feeling of identity and solidarity was
crucial in the establishment of Pakistan in 1947.

The intellectual foundations of the "Two-Nation Theory" may be found in Iqbal's works. Iqbal
presented the notion of a distinct Muslim state inside the Indian subcontinent in his presidential
address to the All-India Muslim League in 1930. This idea struck a chord with many Muslims
who were growing increasingly apprehensive about their prospects in a unified India. Muslims
were concerned about their position in a Hindu-majority India, fearing that their religious,
cultural, and economic interests would be marginalized. Iqbal saw these issues and began to
articulate the notion that Muslims had a distinct cultural and historical legacy that set them apart
from Hindus. Iqbal's writings, such as "Bang-e-Dra" and "Asrar-e-Khudi," emphasized the
originality and value of Islamic culture. He thought that Muslims ought to be allowed to practice
their faith and foster their religious and scholastic ideals.

Influence on the Progressive Authors' Movement: Iqbal's poetry has had an impact on the
South Asian Democratic Writers' Movement. Iqbal's concept of societal equality influenced
reformist writers such as Faiz Ahmad Faiz, who integrated his ideas into their own writings.
While they had opposing political and ideological views, the effect of Iqbal's literature on these
authors can be seen in their attempts to confront issues related to society and the economy via
writing.
Philosophical concept
Out of all psychological/philosophical concepts and theories, Allama Iqbal focused the most on
individuality and self-actualization in his poetry, something he termed as “Khudi”. In a way, his
thinking was very western compared to the rest of Pakistan who focused more on the community
as a whole instead of the individual.

According to Allama Iqbal, the Muslim nations were in their current plight due to them having
lost this vision of Khudi. The most popular philosophical theories regarded the world and life
itself as an illusion and unimportant, while Allama Iqbal’s concept of Khudi placed great
importance on understanding the Quran and striving to work hard and be the best person one can
be. He believed that the main purpose of the Quran was to awaken in man, “the higher
consciousness of his manifold relations with Allah and the universe.”

Perhaps he realized that Pakistan’s collectivist mindset was hindering it from taking action
towards a better future, and so he sought to introduce this “Khudi” doctrine to encourage action
and lead the people of Pakistan to a better future.

Alama Iqbal focused on the key traits of Love, desire, Action, Faqr, Courage, Suffering,
Tolerance and Forbearance. He believed that people become stronger by nurturing these traits in
themselves and by becoming closer to Allah. Thai focus on key traits needed to become a better
person can be related to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Alama Iqbal and Maslow’s ideology both
believe in acquiring certain traits and needs in order to achieve self-actualization.

Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of education in strengthening the will of mankind.

He believed that education should give students the freedom to develop their personality and
talents. It is only with this freedom to express themselves that children could grow up as healthy
individuals with the ability to take action. His views on the education of children are matched
with Piaget's theory of development, who similarly says that children need to be given freedom
alongside mentorship and guidance from adults in order to grow up as healthy individuals.

Challenges and Criticisms

While Iqbal's ideas and legacy are widely celebrated, there have been some criticisms and
challenges raised. Some argue that his emphasis on Islamic principles may not fully address the
complexities of modern governance and societal issues. Others question the feasibility of
implementing his vision in a diverse and multicultural context. Additionally, some scholars
debate the interpretation and application of Iqbal's ideas, leading to differing perspectives on his
legacy.

One particularly controversial poem was “Shikwat”, in which Alama Iqbal both complained to
and insulted Allah for not giving the Muslims wealth and success in life. The way he talks to
Allah in this poem raised some eyebrows, especially among Muslim scholars. The continuation
of this poem, “Jawab e Shikwat”, is about Allah addressing his complaints from the previous
poems and pointing out how the Muslims have failed to meet the expectations placed on them,
and haven’t done much to deserve Allah’s blessings.

These two poems shed light on Alama Iqbal’s beliefs about the Muslim Ummah and its downfall.
He believed that the Muslims weren’t following Islam correctly and were lacking in faith, and
that lack of faith was the reason they were struggling.

Conclusion:
Iqbal envisioned a renaissance of the Muslim world, emphasizing self-realization and knowledge
as tools for revival. His poetry explored themes of identity, spirituality, and social justice.
Politically, he laid the foundation for Pakistan and advocated for Islamic democracy and social
justice. His legacy continues to inspire scholars, leaders, and artists worldwide, though there are
criticisms about the applicability of his ideas in the modern, diverse context.

Iqbal's lasting impact on the Muslim Ummah's renaissance cannot be overstated, and his vision
continues to resonate, serving as a guiding light for the Muslim Ummah's intellectual, social, and
spiritual development.

References:

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Batool, Dr Saira, and Dr Sher Ali. "‫اعر‬LL‫ر ش‬L‫ا مفک‬LL‫انیہ ک‬L‫اۃِ ث‬LL‫ اسالمی نش‬: ‫عالمہ اقبال‬." Journal of Islamic and
Religious Studies 5, no. 1 (June 29, 2020): 101–14. http://dx.doi.org/10.36476/jirs.5:1.06.2020.12.