The Contemporary Relevance of Iqbal's thoughts of Self-Purification: An Analytical Study

Abstract

This paper presents an analytical exploration of Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s philosophy of Tazkiyah al-Nafs (self-purification), highlighting its enduring relevance in the contemporary world. Iqbal, a leading voice in modern Islamic thought, believed that the moral and spiritual rejuvenation of individuals is the foundational step toward the revival of a just and dynamic society. Grounded in the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah, Iqbal’s vision of self-purification transcends formal ritualism and emphasizes the development of Khudi (selfhood) through self-awareness, moral refinement, spiritual discipline, and a balanced integration of inner and outer life. The study critically examines Iqbal’s core ideas associated with inner transformation—such as the cultivation of willpower, the realization of one’s divine potential, and the central role of Ishq (divine love and selfless devotion). In the face of modernity’s existential void, moral confusion, and spiritual disconnection, Iqbal’s concept of Tazkiyah emerges as a timeless paradigm for nurturing authentic individuality, ethical leadership, and collective well-being. The paper argues that Iqbal’s framework offers not only a spiritual remedy to contemporary crises but also a roadmap for building a spiritually enriched and ethically grounded civilization.