THE SECRETS OF THE SELF (ASRÁR-I KHUDÍ)
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THE MACMILLAN COMPANY NEW YORK · BOSTON · CHICAGO DALLAS · SAN FRANCISCO
THE MACMILLAN CO. OF CANADA, LTD. TORONTO
THE SECRETS OF THE SELF (ASRÁR-I KHUDÍ)
A PHILOSOPHICAL POEM BY SHEIKH MUHAMMAD IQBAL OF LAHORE
TRANSLATED FROM THE ORIGINAL PERSIAN WITH INTRODUCTION AND NOTES BY
REYNOLD A. NICHOLSON, LITT.D., LL.D. LECTURER ON PERSIAN IN THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
MACMILLAN AND CO., LIMITED ST. MARTIN’S STREET, LONDON 1920
COPYRIGHT
CONTENTS
PAGE
Contents v
Introduction vii
Prologue 1
I. 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 Self 16
II. Showing that the life of the Self comes from forming desires and bringing them to birth 23
III. Showing that the Self is strengthened by Love 28
IV. Showing that the Self is weakened by asking 38
V. Showing that when the Self is strengthened by Love it gains dominion over the outward and inward forces of the universe 43
VI. 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 rulers 48
VII. 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 theories 56
VIII. Concerning the true nature of poetry and the reform of Islamic literature 60
IX. Showing that the education of the Self has three stages: Obedience, Self-control, and Divine Vicegerency 72
X. Setting forth the inner meanings of the names of Ali 85
XI. Story of a young man of Merv who came to the saint Ali Hujwírí--God have mercy on him!--and complained that he was oppressed by his enemies 95
XII. Story of the bird that was faint with thirst 100
XIII. Story of the diamond and the coal 104
XIV. 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 community 108
XV. Showing that the purpose of the Moslem’s life is to exalt the Word of Allah, and that the Jihád (war against unbelievers), if it be prompted by land-hunger, is unlawful in the religion of Islam 116
XVI. Precepts written for the Moslems of India by Mír Naját Nakshband, who is generally known as Bábá Sahrá´í 122
XVII. Time is a sword 134
XVIII. An invocation 141
Transcriber’s Note