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Iqbal’s initial exposure to western civilization and
culture
Allama
Iqbal has used the term ‘Farang’ for Europeans and ‘Afrang’
for European nations, culture and civilization. Allama Iqbal was
directly exposed to the western culture in 1905 when he went to
London for higher studies. He lived there for three years. During
his stay there, not only did he benefit from their education and
literature, but he also observed their customs, traditions, their
way of life, values and morals from different angles and aspects.
While he was in London he tried to understand the western culture
and civilization and compared it with Islamic culture and
civilization.
Iqbal
was not dazzled by the outwards glitters of the west. However he was
impressed by the educational standard and technological advancement
of the west. In spite of living in the west he did not loose sight
of his spiritual thought and activity. This is evident from one of
his verses in which he says;
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The
intellectual thought of the west could not dazzle me
As the light of Mecca and Medina is a source of enlightenment for
me |
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If I reveal my true thoughts, The Europeans will not be able to bear the truth |