Document Type : Research Article (Political Thought)

Author

• Rizwan Hussain

Former Research Scholar at the Australian National University, Canberra, Australian

Abstract

This article examines central themes in the intellectual legacy of the renowned Indian Muslim poet and thinker, Dr. Muhammad Iqbal. Iqbal aimed to revitalize Muslim identity and the broader Islamic world to effectively respond to Western hegemony, being deeply concerned by the ideological subjugation of the East in political, cultural, and social domains. Through his poetry, his political and economic ideas strive to rejuvenate a sense of self-confidence and innovation within the global Muslim community (Ummah). He urged Muslims to rediscover their distinct identity and sense of selfhood (Khudi) as a means to counter Western dominance. Iqbal's thought reflects a strong criticism of capitalism and colonial rule. As an alternative, he viewed certain principles of socialism favorably, particularly from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, though he unequivocally rejected its atheistic manifestations. Furthermore, Iqbal advocated for a fundamental reinterpretation (reconstruction) of Islamic thought to ensure its relevance in the modern era. Ultimately, his philosophy presents a synthesis of Islamic modernism, anti-imperialism, pan-Islamism, and a vision for a socially just society grounded in Islamic principles.

Keywords

• Khudi (Selfhood)
• Ego
• Islam
• Imperialism
• Colonialism
• Western Civilization
• Equality
• Quran
• Democracy
• Socialism
• Caliphate