Philosophy and Politics in the Writings of Allama Iqbal

Authors

  • Jonathan Miller Department of Philosophy, University of Oxford, UK Author
  • Prof. Elena Rodriguez Department of Political Science, University of Barcelona, Spain Author
  • Ahmed Khan Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71465/pjhc56

Keywords:

philosophy, politics, selfhood, pan-Islamism, nationalism, colonialism

Abstract

Allama Muhammad Iqbal (1877–1938), the poet-philosopher of the East, was a central figure in shaping intellectual and political consciousness in South Asia. His writings, deeply grounded in Islamic philosophy, Sufism, and Western thought, demonstrate a dynamic interplay between metaphysical reflection and political action. This article examines Iqbal’s philosophy of khudi (selfhood), his critique of Western materialism, and his vision of political self-determination for Muslims in India. Through his poetry and prose, Iqbal established a framework where philosophy and politics converge to form an emancipatory vision rooted in ethical self-realization and collective identity. The paper highlights Iqbal’s philosophical engagement with Nietzsche, Rumi, and Bergson while contextualizing his political thought within anti-colonial struggles, pan-Islamism, and the demand for a separate Muslim homeland.

 

 

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Published

2025-03-31