BEYOND REASON
Kanz Philosophia: A Journal for Islamic Philosophy and Mysticism December 8, 2025 Shadab Ali Khan
Muhammad Iqbal's philosophy presents love (ishq) and intellect (aql) as complementary forces that together shape the human self (khudi) and enable spiritual and moral freedom. Intellect is analytical, cautious, and useful for knowing things, but love provides the spiritual and emotional depth needed for a closer relationship with God. Love is intuitive, passionate, and self-transcendent, fueling courage, sacrifice, and divine connection. While both faculties work in tandem, Iqbal asserts the primacy of love in spiritual awakening; reason alone cannot lead to transformative action. True selfhood and moral leadership emerge when love leads and intellect follows, a balance central to Iqbal's vision for humanity's revival.