“Iqbal’s Philosophy of Khudi (Self)”
It is khudi or the Self that is the root of all existence. The philosophy of self, selfhood or Falsafa-i-Khudi (Philosphy of Self) to be concise is an emblem of Allama’s message and a one word substitute of his entire philosophical discourse.
Significance of the “Self” in an individual is the source through which we can bring ourselves closest to the Ultimate. Iqbal went in great depth to understand the concept of Self that a common person cannot dive to that extent of understanding.
Due to this concept of Iqbal, he faced immense criticism from religious people but he didn’t stop himself from sharing his thought to the people of SubContinent. He presented his philosophy in a very unique and creative way with the use of high poetic imaginations but his words cannot be understood by everyone because he was an ocean of knowledge.
To present his view more comprehensively he wrote a book named as Asrar-i-Khudi. Iqbal used Shaheen (Eagle) as a source to motivate the youth. He said that “Shaheen” possesses such Extraordinary attributes which no other bird has. Following are the qualities presented by Iqbal in the form of poetry;
I have turned away from that place on earth, Where sustenance takes the form of grain and water.
Solitude of the wilderness pleases me, By nature i was always a hermit.
I am not hungry for pigeon or dove, For renunciation is the mark of an Eagle’s life.
I am Dervish of the kingdom of birds, The eagle doesn’t make nests.
Shaheen is born with far sight, hence the verbatim eagle-eyed is known. He has the vision to see beyond superficial and read between events as they happen. As Iqbal says in Baal-e-Jibreel.
Oh! Self Aware Man! Don’t get lost in this series of morning and evening
There is another world, where there is no future, nor past.
Shaheen is the most fearless of all bird species, who flies at high altitudes. He does not get Rizq like sparrows and crows, but flies and lives on a different and higher level. As Iqbal’s famous verse says;
O’ Falcon, dont be scared of the headwinds
They just blow to keep your flying to greater hights.
Shaheen eats what it preys itself. Unlike vultures, which are the largest birds, they(Shaheen/Eagle) don’t eat left overs of other animals. It’s a symbol of Khuddari,the ability to toil hard for your Rizq as well as avoid haraam (corpses of other animal as eaten by vultures).
Shaheen seeks solitude. It’s not a social bird like sparrows and gulls who live in groups. Solitude or Khalwat-Pasandi is a key part of self discovery as explained.
Solitude of wilderness goes along with me well
Since from creation, I am hermit by nature.
Iqbal believes that in order to understand your purpose of existence one needs to understand his own self. Because Allah says to us:
On Earth and in yourselves, there are signs for firm believers. Can you not see??
Transparency of the heart is first and foremost step towards the journey of self-hood. As said by Iqbal that love is the tool to clean your heart. Iqbal said that if “Selfhood” will be possessed by the youth they can change the face of a county in a highly positive way.
The Secret of Self is Hid,
In words “No God but Allah alone”
The self is just a dull-edged sword
“No God but He” , the grinding stone.
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