God, Science, and Self: Muhammad Iqbal's Reconstruction of Religious Thought

Muhammad Iqbal (d. 1938) was a prominent modernist Islamic thinker whose work explores themes of Islam, modernity, and tradition. Nauman Faizi's book "God, Science, and Self" examines the contradictions in Iqbal's philosophic magnum opus, "The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam," by analyzing two competing epistemologies at play within the work.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2021
Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press

Muhammad Iqbal, a prominent figure in the early 20th century, emerged as one of the most influential modernist Islamic thinkers. His multifaceted contributions as a poet, politician, philosopher, and public intellectual garnered widespread recognition during his lifetime, and his work continues to shape contemporary discussions on Islam, modernity, and tradition.

In his magnum opus, The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam, Iqbal delved into the intricate patterns of reasoning that underlie his philosophical masterpiece. Since its initial publication in 1934, this text has perplexed scholars due to its eclectic themes and seemingly contradictory arguments. In his groundbreaking study, Nauman Faizi explores the underlying epistemologies at play within The Reconstruction, shedding light on the contradictions that have puzzled scholars for decades.

Iqbal, known for his dualistic perspective, viewed knowledge as both descriptive and performative. He believed that knowledge was essential, foundational, and binary, but he also recognized its contextual and probabilistic nature. Faizi meticulously demonstrates how these competing epistemologies shape Iqbal's claims about personhood, God, scripture, philosophy, and science.

God, Science, and Self offers an innovative interpretation of Islamic thought by forging connections between scriptural texts, philosophical ideas, and scientific claims relevant to modern Muslim subjects. Through this comprehensive exploration, Faizi provides a fresh perspective on Islamic philosophy, challenging traditional interpretations and offering a valuable contribution to contemporary debates.

Muhammad Iqbal's legacy as a visionary thinker and his profound contributions to Islamic philosophy continue to inspire and influence scholars worldwide. His work serves as a testament to the enduring power of intellectual inquiry and the potential for dialogue between different faiths and cultures.

Weight: 270g
Dimension: 154 x 227 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780228006596