Iqbal: The Lessons Revisited

Sir Allama Muhammad Iqbal, labelled as the Poet of East, Muffakir-e-Pakistan and Hakeem-ul-Ummat; a person whose words not only mesmerized the people of sub continent, but also had an impact beyond regions, up to Europe. He was a politician, a classical poet, who is also considered as “the Islamic philosophical thinker of modern times”. Iqbal envisioned the concept of two nation theory, he conveyed it to the Muslims of sub-continent, and made them hopeful about a separate homeland, where they could enjoy their freedom, under rule of Islam.

While addressing the historic gathering at Allahabad in 1930, Muhammad Iqbal imparted the vision, he had of Pakistan, and said “….the formation of consolidated North-West India Muslim state appears to me the final destiny of Muslims, at least of North-West India.” A dream, which finally came true 17 years later.

JO HATH MEN YE TALWAR BHI JEYE TAU YE MOMIN

YA KHALID E JANBAZ HAY YAH HAIDER E KARAR

Iqbal stressed upon the concept of self-determination and self-strengthening. He introduced the concept of “Khudi”, in his very first and finest book, “Asrar-e-Khudi”. By Khudi, Iqbal meant the conscious-ness of Self (Nafs). The dignity of Muslims that was jeopardized by the forces of imperialism, needed to be restored. Iqbal wanted the Muslims, to realize their position and where they stood with their lost dignity. Under “Khudi”, he wanted them to struggle for what they lost; to struggle for, what they once possessed.

KHUDI KO KAR BULAND ITNA K HAR TAQDEER SAY PAHLAY

KHUDA BANDAY SAY YE OCHAY BATA TERI RAZA KIYA HAY

Contemporary Muslims, especially the people of Pakistan stands at the same position, as they were in the pre-partition era; shattered, confused and lost. They got influenced by the western culture and forgot the teachings of Islam. This very behavior of Muslims, has taken them far away from their teachings and culture. The phenomenon of secularism is destroying the Islamic culture, which Iqbal dreamt of.

AGHYAR KAY UFKAR O TAKHAYUL KI GADAI

KYA TUJHE NAHI APNI KHUDI TK RASAI

…

DEEN HATH SAY DAY KAR AGAR AZAD HO MILAT

HAY IS TIJARAT PAY MUSSALMAN KA KHASARA

Pakistan as an independent state, owes itself to the thoughts of Iqbal. Today, Pakistan is surrounded by crisis of monumental nature, and the scourges of sectarianism, regionalism and provincialism, are eating into the vitals of polity. The raging fires of extremism and terrorism have been compounded further by the callous state of affairs, disrespectful for both, Islam and Pakistan. The young generation feels confused and lacks the vision. The dream of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, needs to be recalled and adopted. The nature of “Khudi”, and the character of “Shaheen” is to aim high, and to believe in oneself. Iqbal, by himself couldn’t see the dawn, but gave many; the hope and courage to struggle, and smell the fragrance of freedom on 14 August 1947.

KOI ANDAZA KAR SAKTA HAY IS K ZAUR E BAZU KA

NIGAH-E-MARD-E-MOMIN SAY BADAL JATI HAIN TAQDEERAIN