The Exaltation Of Islamic Civilisation And Nostalgia For The Past In Muhammad Iqbal's Gabriel's Wing

In this study, Muhammad Iqbal's work Gabriel’s Wing, by one of the leading poets and thinkers of the modern Islamic world, has been subjected to a comprehensive textual analysis in the context of his views on Islamic civilisation and the historical development of Muslims. Iqbal's work reflects his deep longing for the brilliant periods of Muslims in the fields of science, philosophy, art and ethics in the past, while also focusing on the spiritual and political leaders of that era, their understanding of justice-based governance and their human-centred approach. The poet yearns for the revival of the spirit of powerful states that served Islam, such as the Ghaznavids and Seljuks. He extols the universal sources of inspiration of Islam through architectural masterpieces such as the Great Mosque of Córdoba in Andalusia. Iqbal believes that this cultural and intellectual heritage should be a source of awakening and inspiration for contemporary Muslim communities. According to him, Muslims should learn from their historical heritage to break free from inertia and passivity, and adopt a dynamic, innovative stance rooted in spiritual values in the face of the challenges of the modern world. The poet, who states that Islamic civilisation transcended its own boundaries to bring knowledge and enlightenment to the world, also highlights the influence of Muslim scientists in the fields of astronomy, philosophy, mathematics, medicine and art in medieval Europe in this work. The poet advised young people not to be stagnant, but to constantly develop themselves in fields such as science, politics and art, as Islamic scholars and states did in their glorious times in the past. Emphasising that Islam is not merely a belief system but also represents submission, resistance and sacrifice, Muhammad Iqbal draws attention through his poems to the fact that being compassionate, merciful and tolerant is a transformation created by Islam within the individual's inner world. This study approaches Iqbal's work Gabriel’s Wing not merely as an aesthetic collection of poetry, but as a text that serves as a powerful call for Muslim societies to rediscover their core values and take on an active role in the modern World.