Iqbal’s Perspective on Islamic Eschatology and Personal Ego

Abstract

This article explores the Islamic belief in the resurrection and the afterlife, a fundamental aspect of faith that emphasizes personal accountability and the inevitability of life after death. The Qur’an’s perspective on resurrection is presented not as a logical proof but as a concept grounded in faith and emotive conviction. The article delves into the philosophical and metaphysical discussions surrounding the afterlife, particularly examining Sir Muhammad Iqbal’s views on personal immortality, ego, and the moral implications of the afterlife. Iqbal critiques various thinkers, including Ibn Rushd and Kant, who offer different interpretations of immortality, contrasting their views with the Qur’anic vision of a personal, individual afterlife. Iqbal argues that the human ego’s immortality is not automatic but must be achieved through moral and spiritual effort. Additionally, the article discusses the distinction between personal immortality and the eternity of God, highlighting Iqbal’s belief in continuous spiritual growth in the afterlife. The article concludes by addressing modern philosophical interpretations and Iqbal’s perspective on the symbolic nature of eschatological descriptions in the Qur’an, emphasizing the role of moral endeavor in shaping one’s eternal destiny.