Iqbal’s Vision of ‘Shariah’ in Twenty First Century

An Analytical Perspective

Abstract

This article explores Allama Iqbal’s vision of Shariah, focusing on his approach to reinterpreting Islamic legal principles in light of modern conditions. Iqbal, a philosopher, poet, and reformer, emphasized the need to adapt foundational legal principles from the Qur’an to contemporary social, economic, and political contexts. His work, particularly The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam, advocates for legislative processes in Muslim countries that are both Islamic and attuned to the demands of modern life. The article outlines Iqbal’s distinction between foundational and non-foundational legal principles in the Qur’an, asserting that while certain principles are eternal, many others require reinterpretation to address evolving societal needs. Iqbal critiques the reliance on past juristic interpretations and stresses that legal systems should evolve with human progress. Furthermore, the article highlights how Iqbal’s reinterpretation principle could be applied to various Islamic laws, such as inheritance, will, and marriage, while emphasizing that his vision of Shariah remains an academic exercise yet to be fully realized in the modern Muslim world.