Iqbal’s Insight of a Perfect Man and Its Relevance in the Contemporary World

Abstract

Perfection is a Divine phenomenon that is linked with the religious belief of the Muslims that says, ‘No god but God and Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) is his last Prophet’. This belief confirms that no one is perfect except Allah and only his magnificence is meant to be worshipped whereas Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) represents the culmination of Divine perfection on earth being Allah’s last messenger. Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s insight of perfection in mankind endorses this belief which was meant to remind humanity of their inner strength in the twentieth century. Besides awakening the Muslim ummah, his philosophical poetry brought upon a socio-political revolution. He reinforced Divine perfection as a solution to all problems faced by humanity. Mankind as the viceregent of Allah has been given the responsibility to reflect this Divine perfection on earth but if we analyze the contemporary world, does this approach prevails in our lives? Considering the contemporary challenging conditions faced by the Muslim community of Pakistan, this paper is an attempt to strengthen and reinforce this religious belief of perfection to make them realize their inner strength which can then help resolve all conflicts whether personal, social or political. Through qualitative research methodology, related references have been analyzed to support the research question and to reach the conclusion that Iqbal’s reinforcement of perfection in mankind needs to be revisited in the present age with more conviction that can lead humanity towards peace and prosperity.