Mohammad Iqbal, the renowned poet, philosopher, and politician, is widely regarded as one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century in the Muslim world.
His concept of God is deeply rooted in his philosophical and spiritual reflections, particularly as articulated in his poetic works and philosophical writings. Iqbal’s understanding of God is complex and multifaceted, drawing from both Islamic metaphysics and his own philosophical insights. Here’s an exploration of Mohammad Iqbal’s concept of God:
1. Unity of Being (Wahdat al-Wujud):
- One of the central themes in Iqbal’s thought is the concept of Wahdat al-Wujud, or the Unity of Being. Iqbal was deeply influenced by the teachings of the Sufi mystics, especially Ibn Arabi, who emphasized the idea that all existence emanates from and returns to a single, transcendent reality, which is God.
- According to Iqbal, the entire universe is a manifestation of the Divine Being, and every individual soul is a reflection of the Divine Essence. In this view, God is immanent in all creation, permeating every aspect of reality.
2. Creative Self (Khudi):
- Iqbal’s concept of God is intimately connected to his notion of the “creative self” or Khudi. He believed that every individual possesses a spark of divine creativity within them, which enables them to participate in the ongoing process of creation.
- For Iqbal, God is not a distant, transcendent being, but rather a dynamic force that continuously manifests itself through human agency. He emphasized the importance of self-realization and self-actualization as a means of realizing one’s true potential and fulfilling one’s role in the cosmic order.
3. Personal and Universal Aspects:
- While Iqbal’s conception of God is deeply spiritual and mystical, he also acknowledged the importance of the personal dimension of faith. He often spoke of God as a compassionate and merciful being who guides and sustains individuals in their spiritual journey.
- At the same time, Iqbal emphasized the universal aspect of God’s nature, transcending the limitations of any particular religious or cultural tradition. He envisioned a God who encompasses all of humanity and embraces diversity and plurality.
4. Dynamic and Evolving Reality:
- Iqbal’s concept of God is dynamic and evolving, reflecting his belief in the ongoing process of creation and renewal. He saw God not as a static entity, but as a living reality that is constantly unfolding and evolving.
- In this view, human beings have the capacity to participate in God’s creative activity and contribute to the realization of divine purpose in the world. Iqbal called upon individuals to cultivate their inner spiritual resources and strive towards excellence in all aspects of life.
5. Social and Political Implications:
- Iqbal’s concept of God had profound social and political implications, particularly in the context of his advocacy for the revival of Islamic civilization and the empowerment of the Muslim ummah (community).
- He saw God as the ultimate source of guidance and inspiration for individuals and societies, calling upon Muslims to uphold the principles of justice, equality, and solidarity in their collective endeavors.
In summary, Mohammad Iqbal’s concept of God is characterized by its richness, depth, and spiritual resonance. Drawing from Islamic metaphysics, Sufi mysticism, and his own philosophical insights, Iqbal envisioned God as the source of all existence, the embodiment of creativity and compassion, and the ultimate reality towards which human beings aspire. His concept of God reflects his profound engagement with the spiritual and intellectual currents of his time, as well as his enduring legacy as a visionary thinker and poet.