From Philosophy to Practice: Iqbal’s Vision for Modern World

9 November holds a special significance for Pakistan and the entire South Asia as it commemorates the birth of the visionary figure Allama Iqbal. 

Renowned as the poet-philosopher of Islam, Iqbal stands as a central visionary of the 20th century. Initially, he embraced the ideas of his romantic nationalism, as prevalent in the time. However, by the 1920s, his focus evolved towards introducing Islam as a philosophy that could inspire Muslims for the challenges of the modern world.

For Iqbal, Islam was not merely a personal faith but an expansive system of values and ideals. His works demonstrate Islam’s relevance at two fundamental levels: the individual and the collective.

The Individual: A Journey of Self-Realization and Purpose

At an individual level, he defined the purpose of life as a quest for self-realization. This self-realization comes through the development of one’s inner self, or khudi. He used the term khudi to represent the individual’s ego or selfhood. Through this process, the individual’s ego is refined and strengthened to align harmoniously with the divine will, which is the ultimate goal. Ultimately, Iqbal believed that this journey would enable Muslims to contribute meaningfully to the world. In doing so, they would embody qualities akin to the ‘Perfect Man,’ a concept deeply inspired by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The Collective: Embracing Ijtihad Over Taqlid

At the collective level, Iqbal’s vision advocated for ijtihad, a practice of independent reasoning and contextualizing Islamic principles to address contemporary issues. He believed that the stagnation in Muslim societies was due, in part, to a misplaced reliance on taqlid, or blind adherence to established interpretations. 

To Iqbal, ijtihad was the key to revitalizing Islamic thought and align it with new discoveries and challenges while retaining its core essence. He rejected the rigid dogmas of the conservative Ulema and the overly ascetic trends in Sufism, which he felt detracted Muslims from the Islam’s true legacy of inductive reasoning and adaptability.

Also See: Iqbal and Kashmir: Philosophy, Poetry, and Battle for Identity

Islam and the West

Iqbal’s vision of Islam’s role in modern life was expansive and progressive. He was critical of Western civilization’s moral decline, which he attributed to unchecked materialism and self-interest. Yet, he acknowledged the West’s scientific advancements and urged Muslims to adopt the West’s scientific creativity, while discarding superficial aspects lacking moral grounding. He was particularly critical of Western democracy, viewing it as plutocratic and exploitative. Capitalism, too, faced his criticism for its inherent oppressiveness. Despite these critiques, Iqbal did not endorse Marxism due to its atheistic leanings; instead, he advocated for a system rooted in divine values as the path to true liberation.

Iqbal’s Vision for an Islamic State

Iqbal’s vision of an ideal Islamic state was a society governed by the Qur’anic principles of justice, equality, and moral integrity. 

He envisioned a future where Muslims could unite under the banner of Islam. This would not form a theocratic or monarchic regime but rather a Qur’anic state guided by principles of equality and justice. He saw this vision as inspired by the Prophet’s model.

For Indian Muslims, however, he saw an immediate need for a separate Muslim-majority region to nurture this vision without interference. In his 1930 address to the Muslim League, he therefore proposed an autonomous Muslim state in northwestern India. Ultimately, this proposal laid the groundwork for what would become Pakistan. The goal, he believed, was to provide Muslims with the political space to actualize their collective identity and purpose.

Through his writings, letters, and ideas, Iqbal blazed a path that the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah would eventually follow.

Iqbal’s legacy endures not only in the formation of Pakistan but also in his bold call for introspection and reform. His philosophy serves as a reminder that Islam, as he envisioned it, is not merely a set of rituals or traditions. Instead, it is a living, evolving framework meant to empower Muslims as active participants in the modern world. This vision is driven by faith, intellect, and an unwavering commitment to justice and progress.

Iqbal Ideas in Contemporary South Asia

Iqbal’s philosophy remains profoundly relevant today, especially for South Asia—a region marked by border disputes, ethnic and religious tensions, and persistent national rivalries. 

Unfortunately, many of Iqbal’s teachings remain underutilized, as the divides and disunity among contemporary Muslims continue. His call for introspection, reform, and unity offers a pathway to overcoming these challenges. Embracing Iqbal’s vision fully would create a united, empowered Muslim world, providing stability and strength to address modern complexities.

In line with Iqbal’s teachings, South Asian nations—especially Muslim-majority countries—should focus on strengthening their collective political and economic influence globally. The unique challenges each nation faces can be more effectively addressed through a shared commitment to unity. Platforms such as SAARC, SCO, and OIC hold great potential for enabling regional cooperation, resilience, and collective advancement.

Iqbal viewed Afghanistan as a vital symbol of strength and freedom, crucial to the stability of the Muslim world. He famously noted, “Asia is a body, and Afghanistan its heart; if Afghanistan is unstable, Asia will be unstable.”

To bring Iqbal’s vision to life, Muslim-majority nations in South Asia need to level up their political and economic game. This would allow them to reclaim their identity and purpose on the global stage. By choosing unity over division, they can tackle modern challenges head-on, amplify their voices, and stand strong for their people and for each other.