By Rizwan Hussain

Allama Iqbal was a profound philosopher and the boundaries of his philosophy were not constrained by the borders of any region of the world rather his writings portrayed his broad vision and horizon which crossed cultures, civilizations and their traditions. Many foreign critics have attempted to attack the philosophies of Iqbal by calling those as inspiration from the West, while they dramatically ignore certain benchmarks which distinguish Iqbal’s philosophies from those of West and establish that Iqbal’s ideas are only impressed by the Islamic teachings which provide a code of life not only to the Muslim world but also beyond and Iqbal throughout his philosophies has bonded with it firmly. There is no second opinion pertaining to the fact that Iqbal studied the Western culture very deeply but Iqbal distinguished their norms from those of Islamic ones and also enlightened the world where the Western culture developed its practices impressed by the teachings of Islam. All those writers who endeavor to let down Iqbal by calling his philosophies as inspiration from the Western culture are making futile efforts as the Iqbal’s contribution to the international literature of philosophy requires no recommendations and also that some Western universities offer specialized programs in his philosophies. Some of the western authors with whose’ theories Iqbal’s philosophies are mixed up are following;

Johann Gottlieb Fichte, a western writer has given his theories on ego, while a considerable portion of Iqbal’s poetry also brings into discussion the ego. The critics are of the view that Iqbal has copied his idea of ego from that of Fichte. The writer of the instant book has beautifully set the ideas of both the philosophers in their real perspective which differentiates both the concepts.  Similarly, Schopenhauer has given the idea of universal will and says that universe is through and through will and also that an individual man is phenomenal presentation or a copy of the idea of man as species, while, Iqbal does not consider man as the copy of eternal ideas. He considers the human ego as ‘Amr’ of God. The writing also explains that how Schopenhauer’s will is purposeless, blind and impulsive and how Iqbal’s human ego is purposive.

The book also distinguishes a fundamental principle of Nietzsche’s theory of will to power from Iqbal’s concept of power which comprises of Jalal (Divine Majesty) and Jamal (Divine Beauty). The instant writing elaborates that the Iqbal’s concept is combined with elegance, tenderness and kindness.

It also brings into discussion William James’ belief in determination, which maintains that some volitional decisions are uncaused and unmotivated and the writer compares it with Iqbal’s belief of self-determination. A beautiful comparison is also made between Bergson’s theory upon Duration and Self with Iqbal’s point of view which is contrary to that of Bergson.

McTaggart, who is considered to be an atheist, believes in Absolute, which is society of individuals. He does not believe in god of religion. On the other hand Iqbal takes God as ultimate Reality who is Ego or Personality, Omnipotent, Omniscient and Infinite. He has definite relationship with the society of selves, but he is not the society of selves Himself.

The book also includes the comparison of many other western scholars with Iqbal who have given similar ideas as those of Iqbal and draws a clear distinction between their philosophies. That is how the writer achieves his objective of absolving Iqbal from the allegation of plagiarism leveled against him by many foreign critics. The book establishes that Iqbal occupies a distinctive position among the philosophers of the world and a great deal of work is being done in many parts of the world on his philosophies. The distinction drawn by the writer between the philosophers of the world and those of Iqbal also prove that the critics of Iqbal have neither conducted a thorough study of Iqbal’s philosophies nor have they read the western philosophers properly. Indirectly, the book also gives a general message that every philosopher should be recognized in his true perspective and the theories of different philosophers should not be mixed up with each other in a manner to give impression of plagiarism by any of them.

The book is a fantastic reading and a must read for all those inquisitive minds who are conducting research on Iqbal’s philosophies or they want to know Iqbal more closely.

Title: Iqbal and the Western Philosophers

Author: Dr. Nazir Qaiser

Genre: Philosophy

Pages: 245

Price: Rs.250

Publisher: Iqbal Academy Pakistan

Blurb

All those writers who endeavor to let down Iqbal by calling his philosophies as inspiration from the Western culture are making futile efforts as the Iqbal’s contribution to the international literature of philosophy requires no recommendations and also that some Western universities offer specialized programs in his philosophies