Allama Iqbal's Legacy
2 / 2
Allama Iqbal, whose full name is Allama Muhammad Iqbal, was a renowned philosopher, poet, and politician in British India who is widely regarded as the spiritual father of Pakistan. He was born on November 9, 1877, in Sialkot, a city that is now part of Pakistan.
Iqbal came from a humble background, and his father was a devout man who instilled in him a deep sense of spirituality and intellectual curiosity. As a young boy, Iqbal showed exceptional intelligence and a passion for learning. He was proficient in various languages, including Persian, Arabic, and Urdu.
Iqbal pursued his higher education in Lahore, Cambridge, and Munich, where he delved into the study of philosophy, literature, and law. He earned a degree in philosophy and later obtained a doctorate from the University of Munich.
Throughout his life, Allama Iqbal was deeply concerned about the social, political, and spiritual conditions of Muslims in India. He became a vocal advocate for the rights and empowerment of the Muslim community and believed in the idea of a separate Muslim state where they could live with dignity and freedom.
Iqbal's poetry played a pivotal role in inspiring the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent towards the vision of a separate homeland. His famous work, "Lab Pe Aati Hai Dua Ban Ke Tamanna Meri" (The prayer comes to my lips as my own wish), and his address to the annual session of the All-India Muslim League in 1930, where he presented the concept of an independent Muslim state, were some of the significant contributions to the Pakistan Movement.
Allama Iqbal's poetry is deeply philosophical and reflects his thoughts on self-discovery, spirituality, and the development of individual and collective character. He encouraged Muslims to seek self-awareness and rise above petty divisions, aiming for a broader unity among the Muslim community.
Iqbal's vision and poetry left a lasting impact on the people of the subcontinent, and he is celebrated as the national poet of Pakistan. His ideas played a crucial role in the eventual creation of Pakistan in 1947 as an independent nation for Muslims.
Allama Iqbal passed away on April 21, 1938, but his legacy and poetry continue to be an inspiration for generations of people in Pakistan and beyond. His philosophical thoughts and literary works are studied and admired worldwide.