Iqbal and Bergson on Mystical Experience: A Critique

Abstract

Iqbal and Bergson have remarkably similar views on Mystical Experience. Both believed in the validity rather superiority of the knowledge achieved through Mystical Experience. Both had a desire to establish knowledge on some firm ground which is beyond any doubt. Moreover, both wished to make room for Metaphysics in an era (20^th Century) which was ferociously hostile for this discipline. They had an objective to pave the way for a person in whom individuality has reached its peak and he is able to break the rigid and static world-order to replace it with a dynamic, active, energetic and vibrant one. This paper has used the qualitative methodology and analytical approach to show that Mystical Experience of Both Iqbal and Bergson is not a reliable source of knowledge reliable scientifically, philosophically and even religiously. Major finding of the paper is that mystical experience may not be a valid source of authentic knowledge hence it cannot be taken as the basis of any organized religion. The paper has concluded that it is not a substitute of the Prophetic revelation. Revelation is sent to the select few  of Allah and may never be termed as ‘experience’.