Allama Iqbal’s Theory of Poetry: Purposefulness, Selfhood and Human Life
علامہ اقبال کا نظریۂ شعر: مقصدیت، خودی اور حیاتِ انسانی
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52015/daryaft.v18i01.443Keywords:
Iqbal, Theory of Poetry, Khudi, Purposefulness, Art for Life, Human Life, Islamic Thought, Ethical Aesthetics, Poetic Philosophy, Dynamism and ActionAbstract
Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s theory of poetry presents a purposeful vision in which poetic expression is closely linked with life, action, and moral consciousness. Rejecting the doctrine of “art for art’s sake,” Iqbal conceives poetry as a dynamic force that cultivates selfhood, awakens collective awareness, and inspires social transformation. This study examines his theory within its broader philosophical and religious framework, with particular emphasis on purposefulness, self-realization, and ethical reconstruction. For Iqbal, poetry is not merely a source of aesthetic pleasure but a powerful medium for shaping thought, character, and destiny. Authentic poetry encourages struggle, creativity, and constructive action while resisting stagnation, imitation, and escapism. Rooted in a Quranic worldview, his poetic philosophy positions art as an instrument of life that strengthens moral values, spiritual vitality, and intellectual freedom.
Central to this vision is the concept of selfhood, through which individuals and communities achieve dignity and the capacity for transformative action. The study concludes that Iqbal’s theory offers a comprehensive model of purposeful art that remains relevant to contemporary debates on meaning, identity, and cultural stagnation.
Conflict of Interest: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest related to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article, and that the data presented have not been fabricated or falsified.
Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant or financial support from public, commercial, or not-for profit funding agencies.
Participant Consent: The authors confirm that Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and confidentiality was duly maintained.
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Author Biographies
DR. TALIB HUSSAIN HASHMI, Post Doctoral Scholar, Islamic Research Institute, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
Dr. Talib Hussain Hashmi is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Islamic Research Institute, International Islamic University Islamabad, Pakistan, and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Urdu at MY University, Islamabad. He earned his PhD from Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad. Dr. Hashmi has published twenty-six research articles in HEC recognized Y-category Journals, three books and has presented papers at ten international conferences. His scholarly contributions have been recognized with several awards, including the Hakim-ul-Ummat Award, Allama Iqbal Gold Medal, and Mehkan Literary Award (2024). His research interests include Urdu research and editing, Iqbal Studies, and literary criticism. He has contributed to significant research projects on Allama Iqbal’s works and thought. Dr. Hashmi also serves as President of the District Jhelum Branch of Bazm-e-Fikr-e-Iqbal and is a member of the Iqbal Academy Pakistan, Lahore.
ASIA PARVEEN, Ph.D. Urdu Scholar, Department of Urdu, Al-hamd Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
Mrs. Asia Parveen is a PhD Scholar in the Department of Urdu at Al-hamd Islamic University (Islamabad Campus), Pakistan and serving as a Lecturer Urdu, Govt. Graduate College Attock. She completed her MPhil in Urdu from Northern University, Nowshera. Her research interests include Urdu linguistics and Iqbal Studies. She has published two research articles in reputable academic journals.
