A Philosophical Critique of Nationalism

Abstract

In 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 Iqbal’s political philosophy is mainly inspired by the Islamic concept of tawhid. His profound reflections on the unity of life, the unity of the Islamic ummah, and the unity of humanity based upon the concept of tawhid strike the root of secularism and nationalism. His philosophy 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 mission, which stand in complete contradiction to nationalism.