تاثیرالشعرالجاهلي في شعرإقبال

The Influence of Pre-Islamic Poetry on the Poetry of Iqbal"

Abstract

The study provides a comprehensive analytical exploration of the impact of pre-Islamic (Jāhilī) Arabic poetry on the literary and philosophical vision of Allama Muhammad Iqbal—one of the most influential poets and thinkers in the Muslim world. The paper sheds light on how Iqbal, while deeply rooted in his own socio-religious context of early 20^th-century. South Asia, actively engaged with the spirit, structure, and thematic essence of Jāhilī poetry—not merely as a source of literary admiration, but as a foundational pillar in constructing his own Islamic philosophical narrative

The research begins by examining the core themes of Jāhilī poetry—pride, courage, chivalry, tribal loyalty, nature, and the acceptance of fate—and shows how these themes are transformed in Iqbal’s poetry into spiritually-charged ideals such as faith-based pride, moral courage, self-realization (khudī), and the quest for divine purpose. The paper argues that Iqbal does not replicate the tribal or materialistic worldview of the Jāhilī poets, but instead redirects their emotional intensity and rhetorical force toward an Islamic renaissance rooted in Qur’anic ethics and metaphysical introspection.

Stylistically,Iqbal inherits the strength, clarity, and vivid imagery of Jāhilī verse. The bold musicality, powerful metaphors, and concise yet profound expression that characterize early Arabic poetry find new life in Iqbal’s Persian and Urdu works. His verses reflect not only thematic parallels with poets like ‘Antarah ibn Shaddad, Zuhayr ibn Abi Sulma, and Labid ibn Rabi‘ah, but also embody a similar lyrical strength and ethical urgency.

Through this study, it becomes evident that Iqbal’s poetic philosophy is not confined to a particular geography or epoch. Instead, it is a transhistorical and transcultural synthesis that draws on the literary genius of the past to ignite the spiritual awakening of the present. The research concludes that Iqbal’s poetry, though modern language and intent, is built upon the rhythmic heartbeats and philosophical reflections of the ancient Arab poets—revived and rechanneled to serve the enduring message of tawhid, selfhood, and divine mission.

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