Meaning: The quote by Muhammed Iqbal, a renowned poet, philosopher, and politician in British India, reflects on the value of a prophet's religious experience by examining the impact on the development of human character and the cultural world shaped by their message. Iqbal's perspective suggests that the true measure of a prophet's religious experience lies in the transformative influence it has on individuals and societies. This quote encapsulates the broader theme of Iqbal's works, which often centered on the revitalization of Islamic thought and the quest for spiritual and cultural regeneration within the Muslim world.

Iqbal was known for his emphasis on the need for Muslims to engage with modernity while remaining true to their religious and cultural heritage. His poetry and philosophical writings often delved into the complexities of human experience, the nature of religious consciousness, and the role of the individual in shaping the destiny of their community. In this particular quote, Iqbal invites readers to move beyond a mere assessment of the prophet's personal experience and focus on the enduring legacy of their teachings in shaping the character of believers and the cultural milieu in which they are embedded.

To fully grasp the significance of Iqbal's words, it is essential to understand the context in which he lived and wrote. Born in 1877 in Sialkot, a city in the Punjab province of British India (now in Pakistan), Iqbal witnessed the profound socio-political changes and challenges facing the Muslim community during his lifetime. He was deeply concerned about the spiritual and intellectual decline of Muslims in the face of colonialism, internal divisions, and the rapid pace of modernization. Iqbal's exploration of the prophetic experience and its impact on human development and cultural transformation can be seen as a response to these broader concerns.

When Iqbal speaks of "judging the value of a prophet's religious experience," he is prompting readers to look beyond the individual encounter with divine revelation and consider the practical implications of that experience. In Iqbal's view, the measure of a prophet's authenticity and the significance of their message can be found in the type of human character it fosters and the cultural world it engenders. He posits that a true prophet not only imparts spiritual guidance but also catalyzes a societal and cultural renaissance through the transformative power of their teachings.

Furthermore, Iqbal's reference to "the type of manhood that he has created" goes beyond gender-specific connotations and encompasses the broader notion of human character and ethical conduct. The term "manhood" here signifies the qualities of courage, integrity, compassion, and moral fortitude that are cultivated through the prophetic teachings. Iqbal suggests that a prophet's religious experience should be evaluated based on its ability to inspire individuals to embody these virtues and contribute to the betterment of society.

Moreover, Iqbal's emphasis on "the cultural world that has sprung out of the spirit of his message" underscores the far-reaching impact of prophetic teachings on the cultural, artistic, intellectual, and ethical fabric of a community. He highlights the role of a prophet in shaping a cultural milieu that reflects the values and principles espoused in their message. This cultural world is not static but dynamic, evolving in response to the spiritual and moral impetus provided by the prophet's religious experience.

In conclusion, Muhammed Iqbal's quote encapsulates his profound insights into the transformative power of the prophetic experience and its enduring impact on human character and cultural development. It invites readers to move beyond a narrow understanding of religious experience and consider its broader implications for individual and communal life. Iqbal's perspective continues to resonate with those seeking to understand the profound influence of prophetic teachings on human civilization and cultural expression.