Allama Iqbal was not anti-science; he was a truly modern thinker who fully embraced the scientific method. He argued that the study of the natural world was a form of worship, as it reveals the patterns, order, and “habits” of God. In his lectures, he encouraged Muslims to pursue empirical knowledge with the same vigor that their ancestors once had.
However, he drew a critical line. He warned against “scientism” – the dangerous belief that science is the only path to truth and that the material world is all that exists. For Iqbal, science could answer “what?” and “how?”, but it could never answer “why?”. It could describe the mechanics of the universe, but it could not provide purpose or meaning.
This article explores Iqbal’s balanced and holistic vision: one where science and spirituality are not enemies, but two wings of the same bird. Both are essential for humanity to soar. Science gives us power and understanding of the physical world, while spirituality (or Ishq) gives us the purpose, ethics, and meaning to wield that power responsibly. In the 21st century, this integrated vision is essential to solving our greatest challenges.