When I was older,
I found Iqbal's work hugely inspirational.
He argued against an unquestioning acceptance
of Western democracy as the self-governing model,
and instead suggested that by following the rules of Islam
a society would tend naturally towards social justice,
tolerance, peace and equality.
Iqbal's interpretation of Islam differs
very widely from the narrow meaning
that is sometimes given to it.
For Iqbal, Islam is not just the name
for certain beliefs and forms of worship.
The difference between a Muslim and a non-Muslim
is not merely a theological one - it is a difference
of a fundamental attitude towards life.
Imran Khan
