Wings of the Soul – From the teachings of Dr Iqbal and RUMI

Charity New Zealand, in partnership with the Pakistan High Commission in Wellington, proudly hosted a spiritually enriching session titled “WINGs of the SOUL – From the Teachings of Dr. Iqbal and Rumi” on Saturday, May 3.

This special event brought together community members and thought leaders from around the world—both in person and online—to reflect on the timeless wisdom of two great scholars, Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal and Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi. Their messages of self-discovery, elevation of the soul, and unity in humanity resonated deeply with our diverse audience.

Professor Dr Idrees Azad on “Iqbal’s Theory of Elevation vs Darwin’s Theory of Evolution”
In this compelling lecture, Professor Idrees Azad presents a thought-provoking comparative exploration of two grand ideas: Darwin’s theory of biological evolution and Allama Iqbal’s philosophical concept of elevation. While Darwin traces life’s journey from simple to complex forms, Iqbal envisions a parallel ascent — from density to subtlety, or from earthbound existence to spiritual lightness.

The lecture also reflects on a profound interpretation of Rumi’s renowned poem on evolution, suggesting that its first half aligns with Darwinian development, while its latter verses echo Iqbal’s vision of elevation. Professor Azad then elaborates on Iqbal’s model of societal progression, outlining four levels of collective life: the swarm (insects), the pack (carnivores), the herd (grazing animals), and the flock (birds) — culminating in a metaphorical ascent from ground to sky.
Drawing from cutting-edge research in developmental biology, the lecture connects Iqbal’s vision with Michael Levin’s groundbreaking work on cellular cognition. Levin proposes that biological form is not solely dictated by DNA, but by dynamic bioelectric signaling — a kind of “cognitive glue” that orchestrates the formation of organs and body structures by coordinating among intelligent cellular agents.

With its unique blend of philosophy, poetry, and modern science, this lecture offers a richly layered perspective — both academically valuable and deeply engaging. A must-watch for anyone interested in the convergence of metaphysics and biology.

Dr by Dr. Nadeem Ishaq Khan covered the topic of Personality Development and Character Building in context of Rumi and Iqbal

“Knowing thyself” had been a highest intellectual value since the dawn of mankind history. Even before the Socrates, it was explicitly written on the Delphi statues in Greece. Someone asked Jesus How we know God. “Know thyself you shall know the God” He replied. One-time Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) narrated that whom God loves, God opens his own eyes on himself.

For Mullah Denier of God is “Kaafir”

For me Denier of the Self is higher “Kaafir” (Iqbal)

At one time mutual dialogue between Indian Disciple (Iqbal) and his Spiritual mentor (Rumi)

Kindly enlighten me the secret of Adam

How my dust could become the peer of stars? (Iqbal)

The outside (body) of a man can be died with an insect bite

But his inside (Soul) encircles the seven heavens (Rumi)

This son of Adam is of two ways. Physical self with five senses sound, sight, smell, taste and touch. The meta-physical is also with five senses recall memory perception invocation and pondering. (Imam Ghali) The outer five senses connect with inside ones through a very fine lineage known as common sense. When we work on development of our inner metaphysical self. Its actually our common sense which enhances in form of self-awareness which leads to self-realization.

If you wish to be illuminated inside like a Sun

You have to eliminate ten main spiritual evils from your chest

Stinginess. Envy, Savageness, illegitimate earning, back-biting.

Greed, lust, ostentation, hatred and deceit. (Rumi) 

What we speak and do is literal representation of our inside programming. (Carl Jung). This science of programming in our subconscious is known as Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) as per contemporary psychology. With this we are able to achieve the access to our subconscious and even unconscious through the insight and intuition.

The true character comes when our heart and mind attain the same frequency (Surah Hajj- 46). We become same from inside and outside. The contradiction leads to hypocrisy inside us.  This harmony starts with de-conditioning of ourselves, we achieve higher state of self of enlightenment without any extra effort. At this state of unification, our thought and action become one and aligned. Our instinct and reason become same. We become selfless with compassion and kindness. This state of self is described as Satisfied-self in Surah Fajar Holy Quran.  At this stage We are bestowed upon with three Divine rewards. Insight, lateral thinking leads to creativity and strength of belief/conviction.

When focus to develop our physical self with soft skills like communication, time management empathy etc. It leads to our personality development. A great personality can’t be built on a weak character. When a man develops both his personality and character, he actually able to caters the both heavens, here and hereafter.

The session featured insightful talks, open dialogue, and reflections designed to inspire inner growth and social harmony. We were humbled to witness participation from attendees across New Zealand, Australia, Pakistan, and the Middle East.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to His Excellency Dr. Faisal Aziz, the esteemed speakers, and all the attendees who contributed to the success of this beautiful gathering.

Charity New Zealand remains committed to promoting educational and spiritual programs that uplift individuals and communities alike.

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