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Exploring Lecture-4

Introduction

Dr. Muhammad Iqbal, the great poet, philosopher and thinker has proposed an innovative solution to the challenges faced by the Muslims of present era through sophisticated philosophical medium using his prose writing, The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam' that is representative of his basic philosophic insights. The book is a compilation of lectures delivered by him on Islamic philosophy; published in 1930. He critically analyzed the causes of decline of Muslim Ummah and indicated possible ways of renaissance of Muslims. This scholarly aspect of the personality of Iqbal has not been given its due share and because of this negligence Muslim Ummah is paying very heavy price. In his own words, Iqbal describes the aim:

"In these lectures I propose to undertake a philosophical discussion of some of the basic of ideas of Islam, in the hope that this may, at least, be helpful towards a proper understanding of the meaning of Islam as a message to humanity. Also with a view to give a kind of ground-outline for further discussion. I propose, in this preliminary lecture, to consider the character of knowledge and religious experience." (Lecture-1)

In 'Reconstruction', Iqbal called for a re-examination of the intellectual foundations of Islamic philosophy. The book is a major work of modern Islamic thought. Iqbal was aware that the new generation of Muslims could not remain aloof from the values of modern Western culture. It was therefore necessary for them to remain Muslim and at the same time to become modern.

"The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam" is an innovative book that will be of great interest to most modern day educated Muslims who are fed up with the extremist, dogmatic outlook of their religion.

In brief the four main messages of the book are:

1. This universe is dynamic and so is God. He is the Creator and is constantly busy in creation.

2. God has given man complete freedom of choice and man is not restricted by his destiny.

3. Muslims have made a big mistake by discontinuing the evolution of Islamic law and by confining themselves to four major schools of law. Since the world is constantly changing, we need constant evolution of Islamic law to keep pace...

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