Divine Love and Mystical Quest: Sufi Influences in the Poetry of Allama Iqbal and Kazi Nazrul Islam

Muhammad Iqbal and Kazi Nazrul Islam

Authors

  • Mohammad Jashim Uddin Associate Professor, Department of English, Northern University Bangladesh
  • Sharmin Sultana Lecturer of Bangla, Institute of Modern Language, University of Dhaka

Abstract

Abstract

This scholarly study delves into the exploration of Sufi influences in the poetry of Allama Iqbal and Kazi Nazrul Islam, focusing specifically on themes of divine love and mystical quest. Both poets, belonging to distinct cultural and geographical contexts—Iqbal from the Indian subcontinent and Nazrul from Bengal—express profound spiritual insights rooted in Sufi philosophy and tradition. The research employs a comparative analytical approach to examine how these two poets articulate and interpret concepts such as divine love (ishq) and the mystical journey (suluk) within their respective poetic oeuvres. Central to the analysis are the poetic symbols, metaphors, and allegories used by Iqbal and Nazrul to convey their spiritual experiences and insights, which often resonate with classical Sufi literature. Through a close examination of select poems from both poets, the study aims to highlight their shared reverence for spiritual unity (tawhid), the yearning for divine proximity (uns), and the transformative power of love in attaining spiritual enlightenment. Additionally, the research explores how their interpretations of Sufi concepts reflect broader socio-cultural and religious influences of their times, contributing to a deeper understanding of the universal appeal and enduring relevance of Sufi themes in poetry. Ultimately, this comparative analysis seeks to illuminate the nuanced ways in which Allama Iqbal and Kazi Nazrul Islam integrate Sufi influences into their poetic expressions of divine love and mystical quest, enriching our appreciation of their contributions to both literary traditions and spiritual discourse.

Author Biography

Sharmin Sultana , Lecturer of Bangla, Institute of Modern Language, University of Dhaka

Sharmin Sultana is working as a lecturer at Institute of Modern Language at University of Dhaka. She has interest in writing short stories, essays, articles on feminism, modernism, education etc.  Her first story book 21 February 2018 was published in 2019. Her second book Nazrul Bhavna and other contexts was published in 2022. She writes articles on socio-economic impact, social norms, values, education, capitalism, language and culture for national daily newspapers and magazine. She has presented four academic research paper in four International Conferences. She is the author of three academic research article published in different International journal home and aboard. Her phone no is 01616817817. Her email address is sharmisultanatonu@gmail.com

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Published

2025-06-30

Issue

Vol. 66 No. 2 (2025): Iqbal Review/Iqbaliyat

Section

Articles