Reviving Iqbal’s Dream

Iqbal Day every year reminds us of the timelessness of Iqbal’s legacy, his vision for intellectual and spiritual freedom, and the extent to which a profound thinker, poet, and philosopher is venerated for his continued efforts to awaken the spirit of selfhood and purpose. His vision presents as much possibility in today’s day and age as it did during his lifetime for a means of liberation through power, knowledge, and inner will.

Iqbal’s Concept of Intellectual Freedom

Iqbal’s intellectual freedom is found in the conviction that searching for knowledge is an integral part of human development. As far as Iqbal was concerned, education and learning was far from just being a means to administer knowledge but gave shape to self-understanding and understanding of the world. This fact is well reflected in his concept of Khudi or selfhood. Khudi, then, for Iqbal, stood for the self that recognizes its worth and evolves into the capacity to rise above these limitations with knowledge and practice. He called upon people to pursue knowledge not to attain any profit but to reform the self and society.

Iqbal underlined the requirements for intellectual freedom. It was also partly a reaction to colonial rule that he perceived as a negative force against the minds and souls of his people. His verses symbolize a deep craving to break free from the bondage of mental servitude. 

Journey to spiritual freedom

If it was for intellectual freedom, so largely central to his thought, this was half the story of Iqbal; true liberation was thus balanced between the mind and the spirit. For him, more than ritualistic performances, it meant making a connection to a good higher than himself, with an inner morality. Spirituality, according to him, was a journey inward-to gather inner strength and peace in the face of all worldly calamities. Iqbal’s concept of Khudi extended into spiritual dimensions. It urged people to become more conscious and possess greater self-control.

Iqbal’s dream revived in modern times

In this world of consumerism, social pressures, and digital distractions, Iqbal’s dream of intellectual and spiritual freedom offers an antidote which has a timeless appeal. His vision of self-realization and growth is more relevant today than ever before, reminding people that true success and freedom are not measured by material achievements but by personal and intellectual empowerment.

The revival of Iqbal's dream calls for education systems of today to focus on teaching critical thinking, creativity, and self awareness. The only meaning is that we drift away from the rote-learning system toward a teaching method that encourages students to think alone and understand why they have to learn certain things. Iqbal’s philosophy encourages an education that inspires curiosity and a desire to contribute to society. As he once said, “Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.” Such learning may mould leaders who are not only competent but also committed to uplifting their communities.

The power of unity and collective responsibility

This was not only a personal dream for individual empowerment but also for collective upliftment of society. He believed that nations could only rise to greatness when people consider themselves as part of a common duty. His message of unity is the call of the hour as we are amid unprecedented challenges of climate change, social inequality, and demand for reforms in education.

He envisions a society where intellectuals and spiritually conscious personalities, freed from the shackles of conventional intellect and religion, can create a humane society and work for its peace and harmony. This concept is found in much of his poetry, such as his call for brotherhood and love in Saare Jahaan Se Achha. Iqbal’s ideal society is characterised by a people who understand their duty to others, seeking both individual success and the well-being of the community.

A call to action

Reviving Iqbal’s dream in the modern world requires a commitment both at an individual level and more importantly at an institutional one. One can make a conscious effort to do whatever Iqbal did by becoming more reflective about self and learning. A curious mind and a compassionate heart are aspects of honouring the philosophy of intellectual and spiritual growth of life, as mentioned by Iqbal. We can gain insight into how we could lead our lives purposefully and with integrity by reading and reflecting on Iqbal’s writings.

Educational institutions play a crucial role in keeping Iqbal’s vision alive. Incorporating his thoughts into curricula and inculcation of the sense of critical thinking would help schools and universities to sharpen their students with intellectual and spiritual strength that he envisioned all through. Programs including self reflection, community services, and creativity would help mould a generation into the way of individual progress and collective development.

In today’s fast-paced world, where people are repeatedly confused and unable to answer even basic questions about who they are and what for, Iqbal’s dream is a passport to being free. Human beings, through his legacy, awaken to rise above mediocrity, to think, develop contact with values and faith. It is by embracing freedom of intellect, developing your spirit, and moving towards unity that we need to pay homage to Iqbal’s vision of a resistant, compassionate, and progressive society.

That is to say, reviving the dream of Iqbal is finding freedom within one’s self and contributing towards a world where people are not defined by their situation but by their inner strength and moral purpose. So, as we reflect upon his teachings, let us also endeavour to carry his message of selfhood and collective responsibility in achieving a world that truly befits his vision.

(Mukhtar Ahmad Qureshi is a teacher by profession)