Bridging East and West

The Life, Philosophy, and Poetic Legacy of Mohammad Iqbal

Abstract

Mohammad Iqbal, renowned as one of the world’s most influential poets and a political leader, made profound contributions to literature, philosophy, and the socio-political fabric of his time. His work synthesized Eastern and Western philosophies, creating a unique value system to bridge diverse cultural perspectives. While Iqbal’s influence is well recognized in many regions, he remains underexplored in Azerbaijan, particularly his Urdu works. This research fills a crucial gap, providing a detailed investigation into Iqbal’s life, creative evolution, and contributions to philosophy and poetry. The innovative aspect of this research lies in the examination and analysis of Iqbal’s Urdu works within the context of Azerbaijani scholarship. Utilizing an array of scientific, general publications, and online resources, the study delves into Iqbal’s legacy as a leading figure in 19th-20th century Indo-Pakistani Islamic culture. His philosophy, deeply rooted in Islamic and European intellectual traditions, responds to the socio-political challenges of his era with a universal message of self-empowerment and cultural revival for the Muslim world. Iqbal’s poetic corpus illustrates his critique of Western imperialism, advocacy for spiritual awakening, and emphasis on moral self-development. His works reflect a blend of Eastern and Western influences, drawing from prominent Islamic thinkers like Rumi, Al-Ghazali, and Ibn Sina, as well as Western philosophers such as Nietzsche, Goethe, and Hegel. Through his poetry, Iqbal sought to awaken individual self-awareness, strengthen collective identity, and inspire political, social, and cultural revival among Muslims, ultimately contributing to the creation of Pakistan. His notable works, such as “Asrar-i Khudi” (The Secrets of the Self) and “Rumuz-i Bekhudi” (The Secrets of Selflessness), provide profound philosophical explorations of the self and community, while his Urdu collections like “Bang-i Dara” (The Call of the Caravan Bell) and “Zarb-i Kalim” (The Rod of Moses) present socio-political critique and moral guidance. This research highlights the depth of Iqbal’s engagement with themes of self-identity, empowerment, and cultural cohesion, emphasizing his enduring relevance in modern philosophical and cultural discourse.