Discuss Salient features of metaphysics of Mohammad Iqbal.

The metaphysics of Mohammad Iqbal, a renowned philosopher, poet, and politician in British India, is deeply rooted in Islamic thought and seeks to reconcile traditional Islamic philosophy with modern concepts. Iqbal's metaphysical ideas are articulated in his philosophical work, particularly in "The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam." Here are some salient features of Iqbal's metaphysics:

1. Khudi (Selfhood):
Central to Iqbal's metaphysics is the concept of "Khudi" or selfhood. He emphasizes the development and realization of the individual self as the key to understanding the divine. Iqbal advocates for the idea that the human self is not passive but possesses inherent creative potential. The realization of one's self is intertwined with the realization of God.

2. Eternity of the Self:
Iqbal argues for the eternity of the self, suggesting that the individual soul is not confined to temporal limitations. He draws from Islamic mysticism, asserting that the self has a pre-eternal covenant with God and is on a journey of self-discovery through various stages of existence.

3. Concept of God:
Iqbal's metaphysics envisions God as the ultimate reality and the source of all existence. He emphasizes a dynamic and living conception of God, rejecting a static and distant deity. God is not only the creator but also the sustainer of the universe, continuously involved in the unfolding of cosmic events.

4. Unity of Existence (Wahdat al-Wujud):
Iqbal engages with the Sufi concept of Wahdat al-Wujud, or the Unity of Existence, which posits that there is a fundamental oneness underlying all of creation. He interprets this concept in a way that harmonizes with modern thought, suggesting that the diversity in the universe is a manifestation of the unity at its core.

5. Creative Evolution:
Influenced by Western philosophical ideas, especially those of Henri Bergson, Iqbal incorporates the concept of creative evolution into his metaphysics. He sees evolution not as a purely mechanistic process but as a dynamic and purposeful unfolding of creative energy, guided by the divine will.

6. Ijtihad and Dynamic Interpretation:
Iqbal advocates for continuous ijtihad (independent reasoning) within the Islamic tradition. He encourages a dynamic interpretation of religious principles that can evolve and adapt to the changing needs of society. This reflects his commitment to a living and vibrant Islam that engages with the challenges of the modern world.

Iqbal's metaphysics blends Islamic mysticism, philosophical insights from both Eastern and Western traditions, and a forward-looking approach to create a holistic vision of reality. His emphasis on the development of individual selfhood, the dynamic nature of God, and the continuous reinterpretation of religious thought makes his metaphysical framework a unique and influential contribution to Islamic philosophy.