Discover the depth, strength, and purpose of the Muslim Khudi (Self) through the thought and poetry of Iqbal. Moving from awakening to action, this course will guide participants through a journey of inner renewal, intellectual clarity, and collective responsibility. Engaging with Iqbal’s Urdu, Persian and English works, the course challenges inherited passivity and calls for a return to a living, dynamic Islam rooted in faith, thought and Amal.
| Pay for Course (£90 for the full course)
Schedule and Format
Virtual Classes will be held every Saturday at 6pm UK times from 4th April 2026 till the 16th May 2026.
Each class will include interactive conversations between the teacher and students. All participants will be required to use audio and video during each class.
Recordings will be available for participants to review and watch later.
To confirm your spot, please register for the course with the link above, and then make the full-payment.
Who is it for?
Anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Muhammad Iqbal and his vision for Islamic revival Those who feel a need for personal awakening and a stronger sense of purpose in their faith Individuals looking to better understand the condition of the Muslim Ummah in the modern world Students, professionals, and thinkers interested in reconnecting faith with thought and action Those familiar with Iqbal, as well as complete beginners No prior knowledge of Urdu or Persian is required, all material will be taught and explained in English.
How will it be taught?
Six sessions, each lasting 2 hours, held weekly Delivered virtually by Zirrar Ali, allowing participants to join from anywhere Each session follows a structured format: guided text engagement, group discussion, focused concept exploration, personal reflection, and a closing summary Engagement with the works of Iqbal and other Islamic scholars Emphasis on both understanding and application, connecting Iqbal’s ideas to contemporary realities Digital reading materials and selected extracts provided in advance to support learning and reflection
What the course will cover?
Consisting of six classes, this course explores the central themes of Muhammad Iqbal, engaging with his pivotal Urdu, Persian, and English works to examine the awakening of the self, the renewal of thought, the role of the Ummah, and the path toward meaningful action in the modern world.
Class 1: The Awakening Confronting the dire condition of the Ummah, moving beyond surface explanations of decline. Drawing on Iqbals works, the class invites participants to recognize that the roots of weakness lie within, awakening a deeper awareness of both the crisis and personal responsibility. A brief history of the past century is used to explain current political and social fragmentation.
Class 2: The Self (Khudi) Exploring khudi (the Self) as the foundation of renewal, distinguishing the true self from the fragile ego shaped by imitation. Its purpose is to cultivate an inner strength grounded in tawheed and expressed through discipline and action. Reading from Iqbal’s Masnavi: Secrets of the Self.
Class 3: The Mind (Fikr) This session examines how thought has been weakened or borrowed, engaging Iqbal’s critique of both Western materialism and Muslim stagnation. Its purpose is to revive independent thinking rooted in revelation and confidence. Reading from The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam.
Class 4: The Ummah (Community) This session shifts from the individual to the collective, reflecting on Iqbal’s vision of a united and purposeful Ummah. Its purpose is to restore a sense of shared responsibility, belonging, and direction. Reading from The Mysteries of Selflessness & The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam.
Class 5: The Path (Amal) ‘Understanding must lead to action’. Drawing on Iqbal’s call for movement and renewal, this class guides participants toward a life of intentional Amal and meaningful change.
Class 6: The Awliya (3 hours) Final class of term one. A review of previous five classes to create clarity. Including an exploration of the impact of Prophets and Saints on Iqbalian thought with the intention to help you create a roadmap for your own journey. Reading from The Ihya & The Masnavi.