In an era bound by tradition
and shackled by colonial rule, In a world torn between tradition and modernity,
In an era trembling on the edge of revolution and revival, a voice emerged from
the East – a voice that dared to speak of freedom and unity, a voice that shook
the very foundations of thought and inspired generations to dream beyond the
visible world.
This was the voice of Allama
Muhammad Iqbal, a famous poet, a well-known philosopher, and a foresighted visionary
whose mind bridged the conventionality and the modernity and Reconstructed the
Religious thoughts in the time of complexities. Educated in Lahore,
Cambridge, and Munich, Iqbal was a man of profound intellect who spoke with
the heart of a mystic and the mind of a philosopher. The Poet of the East,
the dreamer of a homeland, a mind that soared beyond boundaries.
Iqbal; who, when he picks up
his pen, imparts the philosophy of life; when he speaks, he reveals the very
purpose of existence. When the nation indulges itself in the complaints and
grievances against Almighty, he becomes their voice before the Divine,
presenting their concerns in His court. Not only does he present these
grievances, but he also draws answers from the Eternal, providing them with the
responses to their questions from Almighty.
I often say that when God
bestows His grace upon a nation, He gifts them with a guide like Iqbal—a man of
both intellect and passion, whose voice is gentle yet whose quest is
unwavering. His truthfulness and fearlessness define him. The farsightedness of
his gaze, the impact of his words, and the strength of his convictions, collectively
shape a character that reaches beyond the present, seeing the future of the
Ummah with clarity and purpose. His words are not mere poetry, they are a call
to action that guides the hearts and minds of those who are in search of truth.
With his every word, he plants seeds of change and spirituality, and with every
glance, he sees the way forward, guiding the generations that are yet to come.
His presence is both
enchanting and commanding, combining the humility of a mystic and the power of
a conqueror. The depth of his spirit is so profound that God appoints him as
the guide for the Ummat-e-Muslima, illuminating his heart with divine insight,
enabling him to light the way for countless souls lost in the darkness. Such a
figure, a man of truth, is not simply bestowed as a gift or honor; his arrival
is the culmination of centuries of efforts, sacrifices, and devotions.
ہزاروں
سال نرگس اپنی بے نوری پہ روتی ہے
بڑی
مشکل سے ہوتا ہے چمن میں دیدہ ور پیدا
Through his poetry, Iqbal
showed the path to his nation, inspiring them to rise, strive, and break free
from all types of barriers and the chains of slavery. For he envisioned not
just a nation, but a community of purpose – one that cherished knowledge,
dignity, and unity. His words became a source of light in the darkness of
disbelief for the Muslims of the subcontinent, and his ideas planted the seeds
of revolution and ultimately the creation of a separate homeland, later on.
“Sitaron
se aage jahan aur bhi hain…
Abhi
ishq ke imtihan aur bhi hain.”
He sang of lands where the
rivers run pure, where love fuels every spirit, and where humanity stands
united in purpose. And yet, he lamented the slumber of his people, urging them
to awaken to their greatness, to reclaim the destiny that lay waiting for those
brave enough to seek it. For Allama Iqbal, poetry was not merely words but a
calling, a rallying cry, a roadmap for the hearts of the courageous.
“Agarche
but hain jama’at ki aasteenon mein,
Mujhe
hai hukm-e-azan, La ilaaha ilallah.”
(Though
idols may be concealed in the sleeves of the community,
I am
commanded to proclaim, ‘There is no god but Allah.’)
2. THE MESSAGE OF IQBAL
Allama Iqbal’s ideas and
messages were transformative, covering a broad spectrum of
themes—self-realization, unity, spiritual awakening, and the revival of the
Muslim world. Here are some core ideas that form the essence of his philosophy:
2.1 Concept of Self (Khudi)
Iqbal’s philosophy of Khudi
(Self) is perhaps his most significant contribution, encouraging individuals to
discover their potential, strengthen their inner selves, and attain spiritual
and intellectual independence.
“Khudi
ko kar buland itna ke har taqdeer se pehle,
Khuda
bande se khud poochhe, bata teri raza kya hai.”
(Develop
the self to such heights that before every decree,
God
Himself will inquire, “What is it that you desire?”)
2.2 Spiritual Freedom and
Revival
Iqbal emphasized the
importance of spiritual freedom for Muslims, urging them to rise above
materialism and rediscover their faith. He called for a revival of Islamic
thought, moving beyond mere rituals and embracing the true essence of Islam’s
teachings.
2.3 Unity and Solidarity of
the Muslim World (Concept of Ummah)
Deeply troubled by the
divisions and subjugation of Muslim nations, Iqbal advocated for unity among
Muslims across the world. He dreamed of a collective Muslim identity that
transcends geographical boundaries, emphasizing that unity would restore
dignity and power to the Muslim world. In Tulu-e-Islam (The Rise of Islam), he
writes:
“Aik
hoon Muslim Haram ki pasbani ke liye
Neel
ke saahil se lekar ta-ba-khaak-e-Kashghar.”
(Let
the Muslims unite to protect the Sanctuary,
From
the banks of the Nile to the sands of Kashgar.)
2.4 Empowerment through
Knowledge and Education
Iqbal stressed the need for
intellectual development, encouraging Muslims to embrace science, philosophy,
and modern education without compromising their religious identity. He believed
that knowledge was the key to progress and that Muslims could integrate Western
knowledge while retaining their own cultural roots and beliefs.
2.5 Revival of Ijtihad
(Independent Reasoning)
Iqbal was a strong advocate of
Ijtihad—the concept of reinterpreting Islamic teachings to meet the needs of
contemporary society. He believed that Islam was not rigid but adaptable and
emphasized that scholars and leaders should engage in reasoning to ensure
Islamic principles remained relevant in a modern context. In The Reconstruction
of Religious Thought in Islam, he explains:
“The ultimate aim of religious life is to make
the world realize its deepest purpose through an open-ended creative process.”
2.6 Vision for Pakistan
Iqbal’s vision ultimately led
to his call for a separate Muslim state in the Indian subcontinent, where
Muslims could live in accordance with their religious and cultural identity.
His concept of Pakistan was rooted in the idea of a harmonious society that
balanced spiritual and temporal aspects of life, allowing Muslims the freedom
to prosper intellectually and morally.
3. HIS POEMS THAT EVERYONE
MUST READ AND UNDERSTAND
Allama Iqbal's poetry is
profound, timeless, and inspiring, with themes that resonate deeply across
generations. Here I have Listed some of his impactful poems that everyone
should read and understand to grasp his philosophical vision:
3.1 Shikwa (The Complaint) and
Jawab-e-Shikwa (The Answer to the Complaint)
Shikwa and its response, Jawab-e-Shikwa, are
two of Iqbal’s masterpieces, where he poetically voices the concerns and
grievances of the Muslim community toward God. In Shikwa Iqbal becomes a representative of Muslim
and presents their complaints related to struggles of life, while in Jawab-e-Shikwa
Iqbal delivers a divine response to the complaints of Muslims, reminding them
of their forgotten principles and duty to uphold their faith.
3.2 Khizar-e-Rah (The Guide)
“Khizar-e-Rah” (The Guide) is
a powerful and symbolic work, rich in philosophical and mystical themes, and
provides significant guidance on life’s journey.
In Khizar-e-Rah, Iqbal invokes
the figure of Khizar (or Khidr), the legendary guide in Islamic tradition known
for his wisdom and guidance on hidden truths. In this poem, Khizar offers
insights into the deeper meanings and challenges of life. Iqbal uses Hazrat Khizar
as a metaphorical guide for his readers. He encourages readers to search for
knowledge and wisdom, question conventional paths, and embrace a purpose-full
life. This poem is very essential to read, for anyone who wants to understand
Iqbal’s philosophy of wisdom, guidance, and inner strength.
3.3 Masjid-e-Qurtuba (The Mosque of Cordoba)
Written during Iqbal’s visit
to the famous mosque in Spain, is a magnum opus work of him. In this poem, he reflects
on the glory of Islamic civilization, using the mosque of cordoba (Masjid-e-Qurtuba)
as a symbol of resilience. He also talks about the “Power of Ishq and Yaqeen (Love
and Faith)” The poem also urges Muslims to preserve their cultural legacy and
aspire to greatness.
3.4 Tulu-e-Islam (The Rise of Islam)
In Tulu-e-Islam, Iqbal talks
about the rise of a spiritually and morally downtrodden Muslim community. This
Poem focuses on Muslim-unity, self-reliance, and spirituality, urging Muslims
to overcome their divisions to reclaim their true potential. Its verses reflect
hope for resurgence of Islamic values.
3.5 Khudi Ka Sirr-e-Nihan (The
Secret of the Self)
This poem is part of his book Asrar-e-Khudi.
It introduces Iqbal’s concept of Khudi (Self), which is a cornerstone of his
philosophy. Iqbal urges everyone to develop and strengthen their inner selves
to reach their full potential and shape their destinies.
3.6. Saqi Nama (The Book of
the Cupbearer)
Saqi Nama is an allegorical (containing
a moral or hidden meaning) poem addressing the state of the Muslim world.
It portrays a sense of loss and confusion in the ummah. Through the figure of the
Saqi (cupbearer), Iqbal calls for inspiration, and revival. The rich metaphors
and allusions used in the poem speak about the thirst for spiritual leadership
and the need for necessary bold actions in the face of adversity.
3.7 Darwish (The Dervish)
In the poem “Darwish”, Iqbal explores the purity and simplicity of a soul away from the worldly desires. The poem praises the virtues of humility, asceticism, and devotion, presenting the figure of dervish as an ideal spiritual model.
3.8 Aik Shaam (An Evening)
This contemplative poem
describes a serene evening, using natural imagery to reflect on the passage of
time and the transience of life. Iqbal meditates on the lessons nature offers,
urging readers to find tranquility and wisdom in moments of reflection. It’s a
gentle reminder of the beauty in simplicity and the importance of mindfulness.
These poems offer insight into
Iqbal’s thought and provide guidance for personal development, collective
unity, and spiritual revival. They continue to inspire readers worldwide,
fostering a sense of purpose, pride, and resilience.
4. CONCLUSION
In short, Allama Muhammad
Iqbal is one of the most significant thinkers and poets in modern history. His
ideas and philosophies teach the lessons of self-realization, spiritual
awakening, and intellectual empowerment. His philosophy of Khudi (self) urges
individuals to unlock their potential and rise above limitations. Through his poetic
work, Iqbal highlights the importance of unity, knowledge, wisdom, and morality.
The message of Iqbal is clear and timeless: True greatness lies in realizing
the potential within oneself. Allama Iqbal’s life and works encourage all
of us to look within and to get a deeper understanding from the spiritual and
intellectual heritage of ourancestors. His poetry is not just to be admired and
praised for its literary beauty but to be understood as a guiding path for
personal and social transformation.
