Chapter I: Front Matter

THE SECRETS OF THE SELF
(ASRÁR-I KHUDÍ)

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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

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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