Iqbal’s Interpretation of the Legend of the Fall: A Critique

Abstract: Modernism in religion or modernist approach to religion involves demythologisation in one or the other form, to a lesser or greater degree. Iqbal’s approach to Islam can be considered as modernist and his attempt at demythologising the Qur´ānic myths is in line with this approach. A detailed critique of his interpretation (demythologisation) of the Qur´ānic narrative of genesis is attempted from the traditionalist viewpoint. Islam’s incompatibility with modern scientific project and sensibility that informs demythologisation movement is foregrounded. Iqbal does not take full cognisance of the metaphysical dimensions of the Qur´ānic narrative and appropriates certain modern scientific notions in his interpretation of the legend.