Reconstruction of Quranic Thought in Allama Iqbal’s Poetry: A Philosophical Study of Spiritual Empowerment and Civilizational Revival

Abstract

This research examines the reconstruction of Quranic thought in the poetry and philosophical writings of Allama Muhammad Iqbal with particular reference to spiritual empowerment and civilizational revival in the modern Muslim world. The study explores how Iqbal reinterpreted fundamental Quranic concepts such as Khudi (selfhood), Ijtihad (independent reasoning), Ishq (spiritual love), human dignity, and moral responsibility in order to address the intellectual, political, and spiritual crises faced by Muslims under colonial modernity. By employing qualitative and analytical textual methods, the research investigates selected Urdu and Persian poetic works of Iqbal alongside his philosophical lectures compiled in The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam. The article further analyzes Iqbal’s critique of stagnation, fatalism, materialism, and blind imitation, which he considered major causes of Muslim decline. It highlights how Iqbal emphasized the Quranic principles of movement, creativity, action, and intellectual freedom as essential foundations for the reconstruction of Muslim civilization. The research demonstrates that Iqbal transformed Quranic teachings into a philosophy of self-realization and collective revival capable of harmonizing spirituality with modern intellectual and social realities. Furthermore, the study explores Iqbal’s vision of an ethically balanced civilization grounded in justice, equality, spiritual consciousness, and human dignity.