A Comparative Study of Walt Whitman and Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal on “SELF”

Abstract

In both religion & philosophy, the concept of self is of tremendous significance. It has always been an idea of contemplation for mankind as man has always discovered himself uncertain about the true value of his self. Self is a spiritual entity that contains the whole cosmos in itself & has dominion over the physical part of the body. Its power is fathomless & moves freely around the whole universe. Allama Iqbal & Walt Whitman are associated with different religious & cultural backgrounds, but despite this divergence, spiritual, ideological & poetical convergence can be seen in their works. The most striking similarity that can be spotted in their poetry, is their treatment of self. Both use self as a symbol of spirituality & mysticism. Iqbal’s Secret of Self & Whitman’s Song of Myself presents a distinct composition of religious, cultural, political & spiritual changes, their nations were going through. This research paper seeks to examine the poetry of Iqbal & Whitman to highlight the convergence as well as divergence in their beliefs on self.