The Status of Interfaith Harmony in the Philosophy of Allama Muhammad Iqbal

Abstract

This article examines the life and works of Allama Muhammad Iqbal (1877–1938) within the context of interfaith harmony, emphasizing his deep commitment to Islam and respect for other religions, particularly the Abrahamic faiths of Judaism and Christianity. Iqbal’s religious upbringing in Sialkot, his lifelong attachment to the Qur’an, and his intellectual openness shaped his philosophical outlook, which blended tradition with modernity. While deeply devoted to Islamic principles, Iqbal valued interfaith understanding and humanistic ideals. His friendships and intellectual exchanges spanned diverse communities, reflecting his belief in the importance of religious and cultural pluralism. Iqbal’s intellectual journey, including his studies in Europe, reinforced his universalist tendencies, making him a bridge between Eastern and Western thought. Through his poetry and philosophical writings, Iqbal advocated for ijtihad (independent reasoning) and spiritual democracy, rooted in equality, freedom, and the transformation of Islamic ideals into a dynamic and just society. The article highlights Iqbal’s vision for a pluralistic, egalitarian Islamic state, inspired by the Prophet Muhammad’s model of Medina and centered on spiritual democracy, tolerance, and social justice.