Iqbal And Revival of Islamic Thought

Abstract:

Islam is a comprehensive religion and an authentic course of action, therefore, struggling for the revival of Islamic thought should be the priority in every Muslim’s life. The history bears witness that only a few Muslims stepped forward to purge un-Islamic elements from Islam and presented it in its true form. Therefore, those who toiled for the revival of religion have had their names inscribed in golden words.

Simultaneously, there had been a Muslim element who invisibly pushed the Muslims to demolition. A keen study of the last century shows that the Muslims had been digging their grave with their own hands. When enlightenment had been blocked, thinkers and reformers began their arduous task, which awoke the nation from the deep slumber of ignorance. Among those thinkers, the name of Dr Muhammad Iqbal shines atop. His efforts spread the message of hope, made the nation realise its true place and led them to progress. He had a holistic liberal vision of the world, but his vision was based on Islamic principles.

He gave the Muslim nation a vision along with the realisation of their due space and place in society. He served the Muslims and Islam side by side. This shows that the motive of his life was to serve Islam. Being a poet, he also employed his poetry for this purpose.

He endeavoured to purge un-Islamic elements from the lives of the Muslims and presented authentic aspects of Islam that were hidden or obscure from the eyes of the Muslims.

The state of the Muslim world was abysmal when a reformer like Iqbal appeared on the horizon. He wanted to promote broadmindedness in Islam. He intended to liberate the nation from the conventionalised belief that hinders the true spirit of Allah’s worship and diverts people from self-control and reliance.

Iqbal hates slavery, be it bowing down to the might of Czar and Cyrus, or kneeling to the monk and priest. He is the advocate of equality and brotherhood. Stating the condition of earlier generations, he says that before the prophethood of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) man did not have freedom and esteem and was utterly enslaved. It was Islam that gave the concept of freedom, equality, esteem and brotherhood. It is Islam, says Iqbal, that gave the concept of bowing down to one Allah that sets humans free from every sort of slavery.

This article is an effort to bring the thought of Iqbal to light and look at Islam from Iqbal’s perspective that talks about equality, brotherhood and freedom, and disentangles man from the shackles of slavery.

Keywords:

Iqbal, freedom, brotherhood, equality, slavery, Islamic thought, Allah, reformer, thinker.

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