In the Tent

The depiction of this man may have been intended by the artist to represent the characteristics of the ideal Muslim male as related incontemporary poetry. From as early as 1917 Chughtai was particularly drawn to the verses of Muhammad Iqbal (1877–1938), a highly respected Muslim poet who is considered one of the founding fathers of Pakistan. An early proponent of a separate state for South Asian Muslims, Iqbal made many references in his poetry to the ideal Muslim man and the true believer. He called for Muslims to strive toward these ideals through the cultivation of pride and self-confidence, the rediscovery of faith, and determined and informed actions. Several works by Chughtai indicate that he visualized Iqbal's philosophy and ideas in a highly personal way. The noble bearing and determined gaze of the subject in this painting appear to reflect the strength of character that Iqbal hoped to foster in his fellow Muslims.