Allama Iqbal

Allama Iqbal was a renowned poet and philosopher who played a significant role in the independence movement of Pakistan. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets in the Urdu language and is known for his powerful and inspiring poetry that addresses themes of spirituality, nationalism, and social justice. In this article, we will explore the life and work of Allama Iqbal.

Early Life

Allama Iqbal was born on November 9, 1877, in Sialkot, Punjab, which is now part of Pakistan. His father was a tailor and a devout Muslim who instilled in him a love for Islam and its teachings. Iqbal was a gifted student and showed an early interest in poetry and literature.

Education

Iqbal received his early education in Sialkot and went on to study at Government College Lahore, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Arts. He then went to England to study law at Cambridge University, where he earned a degree in law and philosophy.

Poetry

Allama Iqbal is best known for his poetry, which is characterized by its powerful imagery, deep spirituality, and social commentary. His poetry addresses themes of love, nature, spirituality, and nationalism.

Some of his most famous poems include "Lab Pe Aati Hai Dua Ban Ke Tamanna Meri" (My Heart's Desire Comes to My Lips as a Prayer), "Sare Jahan Se Achha" (Better Than the Entire World), and "Shikwa" (Complaint). "Shikwa" is a powerful poem that expresses the poet's frustration with the state of the Muslim world and its decline from its former glory.

Philosophy

Allama Iqbal was also a philosopher who explored themes of spirituality, nationalism, and social justice in his work. He believed that Islam was not just a religion but a complete way of life that could guide Muslims to success and prosperity.

He also believed that Muslims needed to take an active role in shaping their own destiny and that they should work to establish a separate Muslim state in India. His philosophy of "Khudi" or selfhood, encouraged individuals to strive for self-realization and to become agents of change in the world.

Political Activism

Allama Iqbal was a prominent political activist who played a key role in the independence movement of Pakistan. He was a member of the All India Muslim League and served as its president from 1930 to 1932. He also played a key role in the creation of the idea of a separate Muslim state in India, which eventually led to the creation of Pakistan.

Legacy

Allama Iqbal is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets in the Urdu language and his work continues to inspire people around the world. His poetry has been translated into many languages and his ideas have influenced generations of thinkers and activists.

In Pakistan, he is considered a national hero and his birthday is celebrated as a national holiday. His face appears on Pakistani currency notes and his poetry is taught in schools and universities across the country.

Allama Iqbal is known for his powerful and inspiring poetry, and it is difficult to choose just one stanza as the "best." However, one of his most famous and impactful stanzas is from his poem "Lab Pe Aati Hai Dua Ban Ke Tamanna Meri" (My Heart's Desire Comes to My Lips as a Prayer):

Khudi ko kar buland itna,

Ke har taqdeer se pehle,

Khuda bande se khud pooche,

Bata teri raza kya hai.

Translation:

Elevate thyself to such a height,

That before every decree of fate,

The Creator may ask His creation,

Tell me, what is thy wish?

This stanza encapsulates Iqbal's philosophy of "Khudi" or selfhood, which encourages individuals to strive for self-realization and to become agents of change in the world. It speaks to the power of the individual to shape their own destiny and to have a meaningful impact on the world around them.

Conclusion

Allama Iqbal was a poet, philosopher, and political activist who played a significant role in the independence movement of Pakistan. His poetry and philosophy continue to inspire people around the world and his legacy lives on through his work. Allama Iqbal's contributions to Urdu literature, philosophy, and politics have had a profound impact on the people of Pakistan and on the world at large.