Muhammad Iqbal: 'When truth has no burning, then it is philosophy, when it gets burning from the heart, it becomes poetry.'

When truth has no burning, then it is philosophy, when it gets burning from the heart, it becomes poetry.

The quote by Muhammad Iqbal, "When truth has no burning, then it is philosophy, when it gets burning from the heart, it becomes poetry," captures the essence of the power and transformative nature of both philosophy and poetry. In a straightforward interpretation, Iqbal suggests that philosophy, devoid of passion and emotion, merely serves as an intellectual pursuit to explore and understand truth. However, when truth is ignited by the fervor and intensity of the heart, it gives birth to poetry, which has the ability to inspire, move, and connect with people on a deeper, emotional level.This quote is significant because it highlights the potential of human expressions to transcend mere rationality and touch the core of our being. It recognizes that the pursuit of truth alone, through logical analysis and reasoning, may lack the ability to evoke strong emotions or create a profound impact. Philosophy, in such cases, can be seen as a detached intellectual exercise, concerned with objective truths and rational understanding.On the other hand, Iqbal suggests that poetry, fuelled by the heat of passion, springs forth from an individual's innermost emotions. Unlike philosophical discourse, poetry has the potential to stir the soul, to evoke empathy, and to create a sense of unity among people. The burning from the heart, as Iqbal describes it, allows poetry to transcend the limitations of purely rational thought and expand the scope of human expression.To further explore the meaning of Iqbal's quote, let us introduce an unexpected concept—existentialism. Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes the significance of individual existence, freedom, responsibility, and the subjective experience of the world. This philosophical framework can shed light on the dynamics between truth, philosophy, and poetry.Existentialism recognizes that truth is not a static, absolute concept but is rather subject to the individual's interpretation and experience. It acknowledges that each person's perspective is influenced by their unique circumstances, emotions, and personal history. In this sense, truth can be seen as a deeply personal and subjective experience, rather than an objective reality.From an existentialist standpoint, philosophy and poetry can both be pathways to understanding truth, albeit in different ways. Philosophy, with its analytical and logical approach, seeks to uncover universal principles that apply to everyone. It aims to discern truth through rational thought processes and logical arguments. On the other hand, poetry taps into the realm of individual experiences, emotions, and intuitions. It articulates truth through symbols, metaphors, and lyrical language, inviting the reader or listener to connect with their own inner world and shared human experiences.Although philosophy and poetry may appear as two distinct methods of apprehending truth, they are not mutually exclusive. The burning from the heart, which Iqbal alludes to, can be understood as the convergence of emotions and reason, where the pursuit of truth becomes a profound expression of one's deepest self.In conclusion, Muhammad Iqbal's quote emphasizes the transformative power of truth and its expression through philosophy and poetry. While philosophy strives for understanding through rational analysis, poetry has the ability to reach the very core of human existence, igniting emotions and inspiring change. By examining the unexpected connection between Iqbal's quote and the concept of existentialism, we can appreciate the dynamic interplay between emotions, rationality, and truth. Ultimately, both philosophy and poetry offer unique and valuable perspectives on truth, enriching our understanding of the world and ourselves.