Epistemological and Poetic Reconstruction: Allama Iqbal’s Strategy for Muslim Renaissance and Self-Determination

Abstract

Allama Muhammad Iqbal (1877–1938) stands as a pivotal, path-breaking poet, philosopher, and political thinker during the British-ruled, subjugated era of India. The extreme hardship and deplorable socio-economic condition of the Indian Muslims following the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 profoundly distressed Iqbal. Against this critical backdrop, he entered politics with the aim of advancing the socio-economic development of the Muslims in his homeland, simultaneously igniting the fire of national awakening within the nation through his potent poetry. This research article undertakes an in-depth analysis of the complex evolution of Iqbal’s philosophical doctrines and the far-reaching impact of his poetry on the overarching Muslim Renaissance. Before pursuing higher education in Europe, Iqbal initially supported the notion of unified Indian nationalism, a sentiment clearly reflected in his celebrated poem, ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha Hindustan Hamara’. However, his intellectual journey took a fundamental turn upon his return from abroad, leading him to promote a religious belief-centric, specifically Tawhid (monotheism)-based, nationalism. He concluded that any form of nationalism based solely on geography, race, or lineage was inherently detrimental to the vision of global human unity. Under this new, transcendent philosophy, all Muslim countries were conceived as his homeland, and all Muslims globally became his kin. Crucially, Iqbal’s poetic philosophy vigorously celebrated the development of selfhood and self-establishment (Khudi). He effectively awakened the sleeping nation through iconic poems such as ‘Shikwa,’ ‘Jawab-i-Shikwa,’ ‘Tolu-e-Islam,’ ‘Tarana-e-Milli,’ and ‘Al-Arz Lillāh’. Sensing the significant lack of the former robust spiritual strength (Iman) and valor among Muslims, he passionately instructed them to decisively shake off all forms of weakness, fear, and self-deception. The main objective of this paper is to critically review the monumental contribution of Iqbal's Khudi philosophy and his poetry in firmly establishing the foundation of Muslim nationalism and to evaluate how this foundation subsequently inspired the development of an independent national identity.

Keywords

• Allama Iqbal
• Muslim Renaissance
• Khudi Philosophy (Self-Power)
• Tawhid-Based Nationalism
• Political Theology
• Reconstructionist Theory

How to cite

Mohammad Ekramol Islam, Mohammad Jashim Uddin (2025). Epistemological and Poetic Reconstruction: Allama Iqbal’s Strategy for Muslim Renaissance and Self-Determination. Sonargaon University Journal, 5(II), 127–141.

@article{islam202510,
  title   = {Epistemological and Poetic Reconstruction: Allama Iqbal’s Strategy for Muslim Renaissance and Self-Determination},
  author  = {Mohammad Ekramol Islam and Mohammad Jashim Uddin},
  journal = {Sonargaon University Journal},
  volume  = {5},
  number  = {II},
  pages   = {127--141},
  year    = {2025},
  issn    = {2518-3125},
  url     = {https://su.edu.bd/journal/volume-5-issue-2/epistemological-and-poetic-reconstruction-allama-iqbals-strategy-for-muslim}
}