Meaning: The quote "Divine life is in touch with the whole universe on the analogy of the soul's contact with the body" by Muhammed Iqbal, also known as Allama Iqbal, a renowned poet, philosopher, and politician, encapsulates a profound insight into the relationship between the divine and the universe. Muhammed Iqbal, who is considered one of the most important figures in Urdu literature, particularly in South Asia, was known for his philosophical poetry that delved into themes of spirituality, identity, and the human experience.

In this quote, Iqbal draws an analogy between the divine life and the soul's connection with the body. The analogy implies that just as the soul permeates and animates the body, the divine life is intricately connected to and in touch with the entirety of the universe. This idea reflects a holistic and interconnected view of the divine and the universe, suggesting a fundamental unity and harmony between the two.

The concept of divine life being in touch with the whole universe can be interpreted in various ways, drawing from both religious and philosophical perspectives. From a religious standpoint, this idea resonates with the notion of God's omnipresence, where the divine is believed to be present and active in every aspect of the universe. Many religious traditions, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and others, emphasize the belief in a universal and all-encompassing divine presence that transcends individual beings and entities.

From a philosophical perspective, Iqbal's quote can be seen as an expression of a pantheistic or panentheistic worldview, wherein the divine is immanent in the natural world and is intimately connected to it. This aligns with the philosophical concept of the universe as a living, interconnected system, where all aspects of existence are interdependent and part of a greater whole. The analogy of the soul's contact with the body serves to illustrate this intimate and inseparable relationship between the divine and the universe.

Furthermore, Iqbal's quote invites contemplation on the nature of the soul and its relationship to the divine and the material world. The soul, often regarded as the essence of an individual's being in many religious and spiritual traditions, is considered to be the seat of consciousness and the connection to the divine. By likening the divine life to the soul's contact with the body, Iqbal suggests that the divine presence permeates and sustains the universe in a manner akin to the soul's presence within the body, thereby highlighting the intrinsic sacredness and interconnectedness of all existence.

In addition to its metaphysical implications, the quote also carries ethical and moral significance. If divine life is indeed in touch with the whole universe, then it follows that the recognition of this inherent unity can inspire a sense of responsibility, compassion, and reverence for the natural world and all its inhabitants. This perspective aligns with ecological and ethical philosophies that emphasize the interconnectedness of all life and advocate for a harmonious and sustainable coexistence with the environment.

Overall, Muhammed Iqbal's quote encapsulates a profound and timeless insight into the relationship between the divine and the universe, inviting contemplation on metaphysical, ethical, and existential dimensions. It underscores the interconnectedness of all existence and the intrinsic unity that underlies the diversity of the universe, offering a perspective that transcends religious and cultural boundaries and speaks to the universal quest for understanding the nature of existence and the divine.