AS we mark the birth anniversary of Dr. Sir Muhammad Iqbal, it’s important to reflect not only on his poetry but also on his role as a visionary thinker and philosopher. Iqbal, often seen as the “Poet of the East,” was much more than a poet; he was a mind far ahead of his time, blending faith with a forward-looking perspective on science and knowledge.
Iqbal was born during a time when scientific ideas were evolving quickly, and he embraced these shifts with an open mind. His bookshelves were filled with works by Einstein, Planck, Heisenberg, and others. A deep thinker, he was interested in the latest theories of physics, especially Einstein’s theory of relativity. At a time when few could grasp its full meaning, Iqbal not only understood it but also appreciated the philosophical depth it added to concepts like time and space—ideas that were central to his poetry and thought.
Iqbal believed that science and spirituality were not opposing forces but rather interconnected paths toward understanding life and the universe. His poetic masterpiece, Javid Nama, even imagines a meeting on Mars with a wise man who embodies both scientific and spiritual qualities. This unique perspective reflects Iqbal’s belief in the harmony of science and spirituality—a rare view that is even more relevant in today’s world.
Iqbal’s work was grounded in inductive reasoning, which he saw as the core of the Quran’s teachings. He argued that the decline of the Muslim world stemmed from its departure from scientific inquiry and rational thought. For Iqbal, science was essential for progress and a fundamental part of the journey towards understanding life’s mysteries. In his view, modern physics was advancing toward a kind of spirituality, especially as it moved away from pure materialism. He foresaw a time when science and metaphysics would eventually align, and he encouraged his readers to “conquer the stars” by pursuing scientific knowledge.
Iqbal also held revolutionary views on time and free will, concepts he saw as deeply linked to human destiny. He admired Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, as it suggested that free will was real and not merely a mechanical process. This was in line with Iqbal’s belief in a creative universe, where each moment holds the potential for new beginnings.
On this occasion, it’s time we revisit Iqbal’s legacy, not just as a poet but as a thinker who saw the world through a remarkable lens of science, spirituality, and humanity. His vision calls us to embrace scientific knowledge without losing our spiritual roots, inspiring us to seek knowledge and look beyond the horizon.
—The writer is a senior journalist, analyst, and researcher, based in Lahore.
