Description
What is the Masnavi of Iqbal? Published in 1915, Israr-e Khudi (Secrets of the Self) is the foundation of Iqbal’s philosophical thought, a work so powerful it would go on to shape all his future writings. In this epic work, Iqbal attempts to reveal to the reader what he considers the psychological and spiritual secrets needed to free oneself from worldly subjugation and the metaphysical illnesses that have plagued the world. The key ingredients are the Qur’an, the beautiful virtues of the Prophet, and the stories and lessons learnt from the vast sages and saints of Islam. When the book was first published, it created a firestorm amongst Muslim youth, who celebrated its bold and courageous approach. Iqbal takes aim at the slumbering Muslim, seduced by Western values, blinded by the glory of the Islamic past, and intoxicated by a culture of poetry that created a damaging passivity.
The book is organised into fifteen chapters and follows Jalaluddin Rumi’s Masnavi in both metre and form, bringing together didactic discourse, parable, dialogue, and spiritual exhortation. This is not surprising, as Iqbal claimed it was Rumi himself who came to him in a dream, instructing him to pen this book.
‘O frenzied lover’, Rumi said
‘Take a sip of pure wine with love’s shade
You are fire, fill this world with your light
In your own blaze, burn all those in sight.’
This epic poem, originally written entirely in Persian, is considered among the most beautiful works of Persian literature produced in the twentieth century. It was first translated into English in 1920 by R. A. Nicholson, helping to introduce Iqbal’s philosophical ideas to the Western world. This new translation seeks to revive Iqbal and his philosophy for a new readership. The text has been rendered into clear English, with rhyming couplets and detailed annotations, so that the essence and meaning of each verse can be readily understood. The original Persian text has been included to allow a side-by-side reading and to celebrate Iqbal’s genius.
