Iqbal’s Poetry and Feminism

Abstract

The poetry of Allama Iqbal (1877–1938) represents a profound synthesis of spiritual, cultural, and political ideas in South Asian Muslim thought. Within this framework, the question of womanhood emerges as a significant dimension, engaging both with Islamic tradition and modern feminist debates. In works such as Bang-e-Dra and Zarb-e-Kalim, Iqbal presents women not merely as aesthetic muses but as active agents in shaping the destiny of nations. As a mother, she is described as “the first school of humanity,” while as a wife and companion, she is envisioned as a moral and spiritual partner in the collective struggle for freedom and self-realisation. His verses in Payam-e-Mashriq further emphasise women’s intellectual and creative potential, advocating education and dignity within the ethical framework of Islam.

However, from a feminist perspective, Iqbal’s discourse often situates women within familial and cultural roles rather than independent individual identities, which creates tension when compared to modern notions of gender equality. While he rejects Western models of emancipation that detach women from spirituality, he simultaneously resists patriarchal stagnation by calling for women’s empowerment through knowledge, faith, and social participation.

This study argues that Iqbal’s vision of womanhood cannot be confined to either conservative or liberal frameworks. Instead, it represents a civilizational philosophy where women are both symbols and agents of cultural renewal. Thus, Iqbal’s poetry opens critical avenues for feminist re-readings of classical texts, offering a dialogue between tradition and modernity.