فکری جمود اور تجدید دین: علامہ اقبال اور سید مودودی کے افکار کاتجزياتى مطالعہ

Intellectual Stagnation and Religious Renewal: An Analytical Study of the Thoughts of Allama Iqbal and Syed Maududi

Abstract

Muslim societies have historically faced challenges such as intellectual stagnation, narrow-mindedness, and extremism, which have obstructed the pathways of religious and intellectual development. Two prominent twentieth-century thinkers, Allama Muhammad Iqbal and Syed Abul A‘la Maududi, emphasized the necessity of ijtihad (independent reasoning), religious revival, and intellectual awakening as solutions to these challenges.

In his thought, Iqbal presented selfhood (Khudi), freedom of thought, and ijtihad as fundamental elements and urged Muslim societies to move beyond historical inertia toward future-oriented awakening. On the other hand, Maududi offered a practical framework for religious and social reform through implementation of Shariah, establishment of an Islamic state, and adherence to religious principles.

This study will undertake a critical and analytical examination of the thoughts of Iqbal and Maududi to elucidate the extent to which their ideas can guide Muslim societies out of intellectual stagnation and toward moderation and renewal. The research highlights that intellectual moderation, ijtihad, and religious renewal remain indispensable for the survival, intellectual growth, and development of Muslim communities. Furthermore, the study will attempt to demonstrate that the need for intellectual moderation and religious reform today is as vital as it was at the beginning of the twentieth century.