DefinePK

Abstract

Allama Iqbal (1877–1938) and Abdullah Hussain (1931–2015) together provided accessible philosophical insights into the socio-political certainties of the Indian subcontinent. Each author reflects their era’s joint realization: Iqbal, amid colonial domination, urged national and rational revival, economic recovery, and tactical preparation for the future, aiming to awaken the Muslim Nation through an idealistic and actionable philosophy. In contrast, Abdullah Hussain showed societal and personal dislocation through the lens of historic novels—such as “Udaas Naslain”, “Baghh”, “Raat”, “Qaid”, “Nadar Log”, and “Nashaib”—wherein Iqbal’s philosophical influence is visible. Nevertheless, Hussein’s approach departs significantly: while Iqbal offered a roadmap for individual and mutual regeneration, Hussein depicted characters who remain disconnected from historical continuity, often concluding in tragedy. This article commences a comparative analysis of both intellectuals’ worldviews, positioning Abdullah Hussain’s novelistic representations as reflective commentaries on the moral and poetic context established by Iqbal. By interpreting Hussain’s characters through the prism of Iqbal’s poetry, the study highlights how Iqbal’s ideals infuse Hussain’s narratives, even as they are apparent under the shadow of historical disappointment. This analysis not only brightens the intellectual dialogue between the two writers but also underscores the continuing tension between visionary idealism and the sad reality of historical separation.