The Secrets of the Self

Muhammad Iqbal (b. Nov. 9, 1877, d. Apr. 21, 1938) was a prominent Islamic writer and politician. Born in the Raj, Cambridge educated, Iqbal is both the the intellectual founder of Pakistan, and its national poet. This poem was composed in Persian, using traditional Persian styles and tropes, and published in Lahore in 1915. The translator was the English orientalist Reynold A. Nicholson. Nicholson later went on to produce the first full critical translation of Rumi's Masnavi into English. Introduction PrologueI. Showing that the system of the universe originates in the Self, and that the continuation of the life of all individuals depends on strengthening the SelfII. Showing that the life of the Self comes from forming desires and bringing them to birthIII. Showing that the Self is strengthened by LoveIV. Showing that the Self is weakened by askingV. Showing that when the Self is strengthened by Love it gains dominion over the outward and inward forces of the universeVI. A tale of which the moral is that negation of the Self is a doctrine invented by the subject races of mankind in order that by this means they may sap and weaken the character of their rulersVII. To the effect that Plato, whose thought has deeply influenced the mysticism and literature of Islam, followed the sheep's doctrine, and that we must be on our guard against his theoriesVIII. Concerning the true nature of poetry and the reform of Islamic literatureIX. Showing that the education of the Self has three stages: Obedience, Self- control, and Divine VicegerencyX. Setting forth the inner meanings of the names of AliXI. Story of a young man of Merv who came to the saint Ali Hujw r -God have mercy on him!-and complained that he was oppressed by his enemiesXII. Story of the bird that was faint with thirstXIII. Story of the diamond and the coalXIV. Story of the Sheikh and the Brahmin, followed by a conversation between Ganges and Himalaya to the effect that the continuation of social life depends on firm attachment to the characteristic traditions of the communityXV. Showing that the purpose of the Moslem's life is to exalt the Word of Allah, and that the Jih d (war against unbelievers), if it be prompted by land-hunger, is unlawful in the religion of IslamXVI. Precepts written for the Moslems of India by M r Naj t Nakshband, who is generally known as B b Sahr ' XVII. Time is a swordXVIII. An invocation