God, Science, and Self: Muhammad Iqbal's Reconstruction Of Religious Thought By Nauman faizi

"God, Science, and Self: Muhammad Iqbal's Reconstruction of Religious Thought" by Nauman Faizi is an exploration of the philosophical and religious ideas of Muhammad Iqbal, one of the most prominent Muslim thinkers of the 20th century. In this book, Faizi analyzes Iqbal's attempts to reconcile modern science, philosophy, and Islamic spirituality in a way that emphasizes the central role of the human self (or "Khudi") in achieving both spiritual and worldly progress.

Key Themes:

1. God and the Self: Iqbal’s concept of God is not abstract but intimately connected with human selfhood. Iqbal views the development of the self as key to understanding and experiencing God, blending spiritual growth with the pursuit of knowledge.

2. Science and Philosophy: Iqbal admired Western advancements in science and philosophy but believed that they needed to be reconciled with the metaphysical insights of Islamic thought. He encouraged Muslims to adopt scientific reasoning but within a spiritual framework.

3. Reconstruction of Religious Thought: Faizi focuses on how Iqbal sought to reinterpret Islamic teachings to make them compatible with modern scientific discoveries and philosophical ideas. This includes rethinking concepts like time, space, and the nature of reality through both scientific and spiritual lenses.

4. Critical Engagement with the West: Iqbal did not reject Western ideas but instead sought a balanced approach where Islamic traditions and modern Western thought could inform each other. He was critical of materialism but appreciative of intellectual and scientific contributions.

5. Iqbal's Influence: The book also covers the lasting impact of Iqbal’s ideas on contemporary Islamic thought, as well as his influence on politics, particularly in South Asia.

Faizi’s work is a detailed examination of Iqbal’s intellectual project and his efforts to foster a religious philosophy that embraced both faith and reason. The book would appeal to readers interested in philosophy, religion, and the dialogue between science and spirituality within the Islamic context.