Taking Issue & Allah’s Answer by Iqbal (Penguin Modern Classics)

“Taking Issue & Allah’s Answer” is a collection of two Urdu poems by Muhammad Iqbal, a prominent Pakistani philosopher, poet, and national hero. The poems, titled “Shikwa” (Taking Issue) and “Jawab-e-Shikwa” (Allah’s Answer), engage in a profound dialogue between the poet and God, exploring themes of faith, identity, and the fate of the Muslim community.

In “Shikwa,” Iqbal boldly addresses God, questioning the plight of Muslims worldwide and lamenting the decline of Islamic civilization. He expresses his frustration with the state of his community, which seems to have lost its former glory and vitality. With a tone of both lament and accusation, Iqbal challenges God to explain why Muslims, once the torchbearers of knowledge and progress, have fallen into such a state of disarray.

Allah’s response, in the form of “Jawab-e-Shikwa,” offers a divine perspective on the situation. While acknowledging the challenges faced by Muslims, Allah emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and action. He reminds the poet that the fate of the community lies in its own hands, and that true revival can only come from within. Allah urges Muslims to rediscover their inner strength, revive their intellectual and spiritual traditions, and strive for renewal.

The dialogue between Iqbal and Allah in these poems is not merely a theological exercise; it is a profound meditation on the nature of faith, identity, and the responsibility of individuals and communities. Iqbal’s bold questioning of God reflects the spirit of intellectual inquiry and self-criticism that is essential for growth and transformation. Allah’s response, while not providing easy answers, offers a path forward, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance, action, and the pursuit of knowledge.

“Taking Issue & Allah’s Answer” remains a powerful and thought-provoking work of literature, continuing to resonate with readers who grapple with questions of faith, identity, and the role of individuals in shaping their communities and the world. Iqbal’s poetic expression and the depth of his dialogue with God make these poems timeless treasures of Islamic thought.