Freedom of self in Muhammad Iqbal

Concept of freedom is one of those concepts which have been most spoken of and discussed throughout history. New approaches are brought about this concept whose area of discussion has enhanced upon scientific development and is still enlarging on non-stop basis at present.Muhammad Iqbal has evaluated the question of freedom from this viewpointon the axis of the concept of ?Self? which he places in the basis of philosophy. The concept of freedom is not addressed as a value separate from the development of the ?Self? and its creation in real terms in Iqbal?s system. As a matter of fact, in the philosopher?s opinion, the ?Self? exists when it experiences the freedom, but an enslaved man is not aware of its ?Self?.Considering freedom a great humanistic value, Iqbal mentions two kinds offreedom, Rational (Philosophical) freedom and Irrational (Intuitive) freedom- although he does not make a definite distinction. Taking into consideration the modern thoughts of his time as well while evaluating the mental and irrational freedom, Iqbal makes a sound synthesis of religious and mystical thinking and philosophy.It is understood that Iqbal divides freedom into two as individual and social. An individual?s becoming aware of the value of his personal self implies a significant phase on the way to liberation from the viewpoint of the philosopher. However, representing that the individual freedom is not so strong all by itself, Mohammad Iqbal says that melting of individual self within the national self in a conscious and voluntary manner contributes to being able to obtain a social freedom which is stronger.While evaluating both individual and social self, Iqbal is essentially fed by Islam and Mohammad. Saying that religion and the prophet are the principal instructors on the way to human resuscitation and liberation, the philosopher argues that the fact behind the enslavement of Islam and the East is the failure to adopt the instructions of the religion and the prophet. In Iqbal?s opinion, resuscitation of the East is only possible by adopting such values wholeheartedly and avoiding bigotry. This kind of defines the liberation of self and human freedom as well.