Dr. Sufyan Safi as Iqbal shenas with reference to Nigaaristan-eKhutoot-e-Iqbal

Abstract

In the realm of Iqbal studies, the letters of Allama Iqbal hold a distinctive place as they reveal aspects of his personal life, intellectual journey, and practical struggles that are not fully reflected in his poetry and lectures. Dr. Sufian Safi, in his work “Nigaristan-e-Khatoot-e-Iqbal”, has critically analyzed Iqbal’s correspondence and highlighted the philosophical, spiritual, and socio-political dimensions embedded within them. Through these letters, one finds Iqbal’s reflections on Sufism, the significance of his philosophy of Khudi (selfhood), his views on predestination and divine will, his economic challenges and professional engagements, his position on the doctrine of Wahdat al-Wujud, the concept of Ijtihad in Islam, as well as his perspectives on jihad, matter and spirit, and the symbolic role of Satan (Iblis). Moreover, the letters shed light on Iqbal’s journeys within the subcontinent and abroad. This study aims to show how Dr. Sufian Safi, through his scholarly insight, presents Iqbal not merely as a poet but as a multidimensional thinker and a practical human being, thus bringing forth new perspectives in Iqbal scholarship.