علامہ اقبال کے نظریۂ فن کے فکری و جمالیاتی ابعاد

Abstract

This study examines Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s theory of art with particular reference to its philosophical, aesthetic, ethical, and spiritual dimensions. The article explores Iqbal’s conception of art as a dynamic and life-affirming force rather than a mere source of entertainment or aesthetic pleasure. It highlights his rejection of the doctrine of “Art for Art’s Sake” and his advocacy of a purposive and constructive view of artistic creation. According to Iqbal, genuine art is rooted in spiritual insight, creative imagination, sincerity of feeling, and the strengthening of the human self (Khudi). The study further analyzes Iqbal’s emphasis on the role of art in awakening human consciousness, inspiring moral and social transformation, and fostering individual as well as collective development. The article demonstrates that Iqbal regards artistic creativity as a manifestation of divine endowment and human participation in the process of creation. He associates true art with the ideals of freedom, self-realization, innovation, and the pursuit of higher purposes in life. Furthermore, the study investigates Iqbal’s critique of imitation, intellectual stagnation, and slavish mentality, which, in his view, deprive art of its vitality and transformative power. Through an analysis of selected poetic and prose texts, the article establishes that Iqbal’s theory of art is fundamentally linked with his broader philosophy of life, selfhood, and civilization. It concludes that, for Iqbal, art is not an autonomous activity divorced from life; rather, it is a powerful instrument for spiritual awakening, ethical refinement, cultural reconstruction, and the realization of humanity’s creative potential.