مغربی جدیدیت اور فکرِ اقبال: مادیت، روحانیت اور مسلم نشاۃِ ثانیہ کا تنقیدی جائزہ

Western Modernity and Iqbal’s Thought: A Critical Analysis of Materialism, Spirituality, and the Muslim Renaissance

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of Western modernity alongside Allama Iqbal’s intellectual critique. Western modernity emerged from the scientific revolution and industrial advancement, promoting reason, material progress, and political transformation. However, it showed a noticeable lack of spiritual and moral dimensions. Iqbal acknowledges these achievements but considers them one-sided, as they reduce human beings to merely material entities. According to him, the real issue is not Western knowledge itself but its blind imitation, which distances Muslims from their cultural identity and spiritual foundations. Iqbal views Islam as a complete system of life that maintains a balance between material and spiritual aspects. He encourages Muslims to benefit from modern sciences while preserving their ethical and religious values. His critique highlights key issues such as the spiritual void in the West, dominance of materialism, blind imitation, and social disintegration. At the same time, Iqbal offers practical solutions including the development of selfhood (Khudi), the exercise of ijtihad (independent reasoning), intellectual freedom, and a strong connection with the Qur’an. In his view, true progress lies in harmonizing scientific advancement with spiritual growth. Thus, Iqbal presents a vision of a balanced society that adapts to modern challenges while maintaining its religious and cultural identity.