Iqbal’s Philosophy of Sufism and the Scholarly Contributions of Bashir Ahmad Nahvi

Abstract

This research explores Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s conception of Sufism in the light of the scholarly investigations of Bashir Ahmad Nahvi. Iqbal’s interpretation of Sufism, while deeply rooted in Islamic metaphysics, diverges from purely mystical quietism and aligns more with an active, dynamic spirituality that integrates selfhood (Khudi), ethical responsibility and socio-political engagement. The study examines how Iqbal redefined Sufi thought by synthesizing classical Islamic mysticism with modern philosophical currents, thus creating a vision of spirituality that serves as a catalyst for individual and collective awakening. Bashir Ahmad Nahvi’s research contributions are critically analyzed to assess how he interprets, contextualizes and expands upon Iqbal’s spiritual philosophy. Nahvi’s works are noted for their depth of textual analysis, their nuanced understanding of Iqbal’s Persian and Urdu poetry and their engagement with the broader intellectual history of Sufism. This paper highlights the intersections between Iqbal’s philosophical reformulation of Sufism and Nahvi’s scholarly discourse, emphasizing their relevance to contemporary debates on Islamic thought, cultural identity and spiritual renewal. By critically engaging with Nahvi’s research, the study seeks to deepen the understanding of Iqbal’s unique place in both Sufi tradition and modern Muslim intellectual heritage.

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