A Philosophical Critique of Nationalism: 

Reflections of Iqbal 

Zeenath Kausar 

Abstract 

fn this paper, I explore Iqbal's views on nationalism, not only in 

the context of the Indian subcontinent but also in general terms 
as well. I contend that lqbal's political philosophy is mainly 

inspired by the Islamic concept of tawhid. His profound reflec­

tions on the unity of life, the unity of the Islamic wnmah, and the 
unity of humanity based upon the concept of tawhid strike the 

root of secularism and nationalism. His phiJosophy of "self' 

(khudi) and his conception of the Islamic social order also are 

discussed briefly in order to elucidate some of his views on 

humanity and the Islamic mjssion, which stand in complete con­

tradiction to nationalism. 

Introduction 

Nationalism, regarded as one of the oldest and most virulent ideologies, has 
had a great impact on humanity for the past several hundred years.' 

Scholars argue that millions of people have been killed and that resources 

have been plundered in its name and its product: nation-state. However, at 

the same time, some individuals who fought for the independence and 
development of nation-states have risen to great heights in the name of 

nationalism. 

Nationalism, which emerged and spread in the West with such charac­
teristics, also penetrated the Muslim ummah and shattered its unity and 

integrity.2 Muslim scholars in the Arab world,3 Turkey,4 and the Indian sub-

Zeenatb Kausar is an associate professor in the Department of Political Science, Kulliyyah 
of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences (KIRKHS), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

She has published many books and articles on women·s issues and Islamic political thought.