"Reassessing Iqbal’s Intellectual Legacy: A Critical Examination of Misinterpretations in 'The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam'"

Abstract

Allama Iqbal’s seminal work, The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam, has been a subject of extensive scholarly discussion. Among its critiques, Altaf Ahmad Azmi’s Khutbat-e-Iqbal: A Study stands out for its contentious assertions regarding Iqbal’s philosophical and theological positions. This article critically examines Azmi’s claims, particularly his allegations that Iqbal’s interpretations of Quranic verses were superficial and misaligned with Islamic orthodoxy. Drawing on Iqbal’s own writings, letters, and scholarly evaluations, this study refutes Azmi’s arguments by demonstrating Iqbal’s deep engagement with the Quran and his commitment to integrating Islamic thought with contemporary philosophical discourse. Additionally, the article highlights the misrepresentations of Iqbal’s views on wahdat al-wujud and his engagement with Western intellectual traditions. By providing a balanced reassessment, this work reaffirms Iqbal’s role as a profound thinker whose intellectual contributions continue to shape modern Islamic thought.