فکرِ اقبال میں تصوّرِ تعلیم : عقل ،مشاہدہ اور عشق کا امتزاج

Iqbal’s Philosophy of Education: Reason, Observation, and Ishq (Love)

Abstract

Allama Muhammad Iqbal (1877–1938) was one of the most highly educated intellectuals of the Indian subcontinent. He received both traditional and Western education, which enabled him to observe closely the methods and philosophies of both systems. He stressed throughout his academic and professional life that the basis of knowledge is the observation of nature, inductive reasoning, and experiential research principles taken from the Qur'an and the Sunnah. Contrary to Greek philosophy, Iqbal regarded sensory perception, experience, and the observation of nature as the true sources of knowledge. This paper aims to demonstrate, through an analysis of Iqbal’s lectures, letters, and poetic works, that the ultimate purpose of education in his view is the awakening of the individual Khudi (self), the strengthening of the collective self, and the harmonious relationship between the two. Furthermore, Iqbal critically examined the perils of secular education and the dangers inherent in relying solely on material knowledge detached from religion. He asserted that the true spirit of learning lies in the synthesis of ‘ilm (knowledge) and ‘ishq (love) and in the integration of spiritual and modern education a combination that not only acquaints humanity with the material realities of the universe but also fosters spiritual growth and moral development. The paper concludes that in the modern era, Iqbal’s educational philosophy offers a comprehensive and practicable model for Muslim societies, providing a balanced framework that harmonizes the material and spiritual dimensions of human existence.