Western Influence in Iqbal | Mohammad Masoud Norouzi

Introduction to the Book:

“Iqbal and the Influence of Western Thinkers on His Thought” (originally: Western Influence in Iqbal)

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Muslim societies, especially Indian Muslims, faced profound social and psychological challenges due to the intellectual, economic, and political influence of the Christian West. The extensive impact of British dominance in literary, educational, and intellectual spheres initially overwhelmed Indian Muslims, leaving them unable to respond effectively. Gradually, however, four distinct responses to Western influence emerged within these communities.

The first reaction was reactionary, extreme, and uncritical, ultimately leading to fundamentalism, which had negative consequences for human societies. The second response was full acceptance of European-oriented culture, leading to Westernization—a loss of cultural identity that remained generally unpopular. In contrast, the third and fourth reactions were more engaged and thoughtful. The third response, led by thinkers like Sir Seyyed Ahmad Khan, sought to adaption selected aspects of Euro-centric philosophy with Islamic teachings. In the fourth response, which Iqbal prominently represents, scholars aimed to reinterpret Quranic principles in light of modern sciences and new circumstances. Here, Iqbal emerges as an insightful Eastern thinker who, drawing from indigenous thought, engaged in a meaningful dialogue with Western philosophers and intellectuals.

This book, “The Influence of Western Thinkers on Iqbal’s Thought” explores the Western ideas that shaped Iqbal’s intellectual journey. It compares Iqbal’s thought with those of 22 Western thinkers and one prominent Eastern poet known in the West. These thinkers include ten English intellectuals (McTaggart, Whitehead, James Ward, Milton, Wordsworth, Browning, Gray, Shelley, Byron, and Shaw), nine German scholars (Kant, Leibniz, Fichte, Hegel, Schopenhauer, Nietzsche, Marx, Goethe, and Einstein), a French philosopher (Bergson), an Italian poet (Dante), and an American philosopher (William James).

The book is structured to first present each Western thinker’s views, followed by an analysis of Iqbal’s engagement with these ideas across his Urdu, English, and Persian works, and finally, a comparison of similarities and differences. Up to Chapter 20, focusing on Browning, the text examines thinkers who directly influenced Iqbal, with special emphasis on Nietzsche, Dante, and Goethe, given their significant impact. Chapters 21 through 24 address Iqbal’s indirect influences from Gray, Shelley, Byron, and Shaw, while the final chapter offers a comparative analysis between Iqbal and Nobel laureate Tagore.

By examining the thoughts of 23 notable philosophers, scientists, and poets alongside Iqbal’s ideas, this book provides valuable insights. Numerous references to Iqbal’s works in Urdu, Farsi, and English enhance our understanding of his perspectives. While Iqbal shares certain ideas with Western thinkers, his emphasis on Qur’anic wisdom and faith-centered mysticism distinguishes him. Despite deep engagement with Western thought, Iqbal’s ideas are rooted in the Qur’an and Eastern mysticism, underscoring his unique intellectual synthesis.