National University of

Science and Technology

(NUST)
School of Chemical & Materials Engineering
(SCME)

Program: BE-Materials Section: ME-16

Session: Fall Semester: 1
Course: English Course Code: HU-100

Members:

Nomaan Mansoor

Ali Haider

Submitted To:

Ma’am Mashal Shahid

Muhammad Iqbal, known as Allama Iqbal, was a poet, philosopher, and politician
whose influence shaped intellectual discourse and played an important role in the
formation of Pakistan. His literary legacy includes famous poetry collections such
as Bang-e-Dra and his Zarb-e-Kalim. Within the genre of his philosophical essays,
Iqbal's Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam is positioned as a profound
examination of Islamic philosophy. This review focuses on the first chapter,
“Knowledge and Religious Experience,” in which Iqbal addresses the dynamic
relationship between knowledge and personal religious encounters.

In the first chapter of Allama Iqbal's Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam,

"Knowledge and Religious Experience," he addresses the complex relationship of
knowledge and religious consciousness in the Islamic context. Iqbal talks on
philosophical explorations and emphasizes the dynamic nature of religious
thought. He advocates a deep reassessment of Islamic principles, calling on
Muslims to reconcile traditional beliefs with advances in modern knowledge. As
he states, "The spirit of Muslim culture is essentially dynamic, creative, and
therefore, dialectical," (Iqbal, 1930) highlighting the core that he sees as a
fundamental aspect of Islamic thought.

Central to Iqbal's argument is the concept of religious experience, which he argues

is a transformative force that can enrich and revitalize understanding of faith. He
emphasizes the experiential aspects of religion and suggests that genuine spiritual
encounters should guide and shape an individual's religious perspective.

Furthermore, Iqbal believes that Muslims should stay firm in their own religious
traditions while also being open to modern ideas and intellectual developments. He
aims to bridge the gap between the wisdom of Islam and the challenges of a rapidly
changing world. In his words, "A true 'change of consciousness,” (Iqbal, 1930)
signifies the evolution he envisions, with the chapter acting as an intellectual
calling, inviting readers to reflect on the evolving nature of religious thought and
the need to adapt without compromising the essence of Islamic teachings.

On a personal level, this chapter encourages thinking about the relevance of

religious experience. Iqbal's ideas remain relevant today, encouraging individuals
to engage with their faith in meaningful and evolving ways. Despite the challenges
produced by the complexity of Iqbal's writing, this chapter succeeds in stimulating
intellectual curiosity and inviting readers to reflect on the intersection of
knowledge and religious experience.

Finally, “Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam” provides a thought-

provoking exploration of Islamic philosophy. Echoing Iqbal’s profound insight
that, “The ultimate aim of the ego is not to see something, but to be something,”
(Iqbal, 1930) the first chapter, “Knowledge and Religious Experience,” serves as a
solid foundation for readers to reconsider the static nature of religious knowledge
and adopt a more dynamic, experiential approach. Despite the complexity of
Iqbal's writing, this chapter successfully stimulates intellectual curiosity and
encourages deeper engagement with the intersection of knowledge and religious
experience.