“I lead no party; I follow no leader. I have given the best part of my life to careful study of Islam, its law and policy, its culture, its history, and its literature.” Allama Iqbal.

Well known Pakistani poet Allama Iqbal was born on the 9th of November, 1877 in Sialkot.

Allama Iqbal is considered among one of the greatest poets and philosophers of the modern era and his literary work is still taught in many universities all over the world. Allama Iqbal was the one who envisioned the idea of a separate homeland as result of which we have this country today called Pakistan. Allama Iqbal was highly educated and his poetry was not ordinary it had a vision in it that drew an entire community towards making themselves a nation.

His poetry and his philosophy is what led the Muslims of the sub-continent to a point where they recognized themselves and their strengths as a nation. Allama Iqbal received his early education in the traditional Madrassa. Later he joined the Sialkot Mission School, from where he passed his matriculate examination. In 1897, he obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Government College, Lahore. After Two years , he secured his Master’s Degree and was appointed in the Oriental College, Lahore, as a lecturer of history, philosophy and English.

He later proceeded to Europe for higher studies. Having obtained a degree from Cambridge, he secured his doctorate at Munich and finally qualified as a lawyer. He returned to India in 1908. Besides teaching and practicing law, Iqbal continued to write poetry. He resigned from government service in 1911 and took up the task of propagating individual thinking among the Muslims through his poetry.

By 1928, his reputation as a great Muslim philosopher was solidly established and he was invited to deliver lectures at Hyderabad, Aligarh and Madras. These series of lectures were later published as a book "The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam".

In 1930, Iqbal was invited to preside over the open session of the Muslim League at Allahabad. In his historic Allahabad Address, Iqbal visualised an independent and sovereign state for the Muslims of North-Western India. In 1932, Iqbal came to England as a Muslim delegate to the Third Round Table Conference. In later years, when the Quaid had left India and was residing in England, Allama Iqbal wrote to him conveying to him his personal views on political problems and state of affairs of the Indian Muslims, and also persuading him to come back. These letters are dated from June 1936 to November 1937.

This series of correspondence is now a part of important historic documents concerning Pakistan's struggle for freedom. On April 21, 1938, the great Muslim poet-philosopher and champion of the Muslim cause, passed away. But he will always be present in readers' heart due to his beautiful poetry. He lies buried next to the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore.

Iqbal Day is celebrated every year on the 9th of November in order to pay homage to our national poet and philosopher. It is a public holiday where a large number of cultural, literary and educational organizations conduct programs in order to remember him and his work. His work was exceptional and this is the reason why he is known all over the world and people read his work after translating it in so many different languages.

His philosophy is still taught in many foreign universities. On Iqbal Day the entire country devote this day to the great legend and organize programs in order to remember his work. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential Muslim philosophers and poets of the 20th century. Famously referred to as the "Poet of the East", Iqbal is acclaimed as having inspired the Pakistan Movement, which led to Pakistan's creation.

He is held in high regard in Pakistan and in India and among the Muslims of South Asia. His poetry has received international acclaim, while some have criticized him for being a political poet. The Sufi philosophy influenced his poetry. He is often credited as being the "spiritual father" of Pakistan.

He has been called one of the most important figures in Urdu literature, with both his poetic work and philosophical writings influencing generations of people across the globe. In 1908, Iqbal graduated as valedictorian from Punjab University Law College (now known as Quaid-e-Azam University). Upon graduation, Allama became an assistant professor at Government College Lahore, where he taught English literature and history. He called for the independence of Pakistan and inspired the formation of the All-India Muslim League, which later led to Pakistan's creation. A prolific poet, Iqbal wrote in Urdu, Persian, Arabic, and English. Undoubtedly, he is one of the most revered and influential poets in South Asia. He is known for his poetic expression, which has been difficult to translate into English. His poetry was considered "revolutionary" because he called for a Muslim society that would be progressive and forward-thinking.

There is no doubt his poetry has universality and would continue benefitting the whole world. He has provided the fantastic code of ethics in his poetry. How beautifully he delivers the idea of self-respect, ego and attainments in life. “The ultimate aim of the go is not to see something, but to be something.” (Iqbal) Allama Iqbal's concept of Pakistan was a central theme in his life.

He believed that the British government had no right to rule over India and that a separate country should be formed for Indian Muslims. If the Muslims begin to study, understand and follow his advice, they will surpass the nation and get an elevated place in this world.  The hero ALLAMA IQBAL is seen as a man of exceptional qualities and matchless genius. He has the potential and courage to change the fate of his nation. He is the man of strong will power, steadfastness and outstanding nerve. His inspiring personality benefits the nation in multiple ways.

The Iqbal Day Celebrations are witnessed all over the country. All the institutions pay homage to him in different forms. In different schools and colleges children prepare speeches on Allama Iqbal or recite his poetry. Iqbal has achieved so much in his life not only for himself but more selflessly for a nation. A huge part is played by him that we have Pakistan. His philosophy is still valid and it shines and our leaders must get guidance through his philosophy to be on the right track. Iqbal Day celebrations are one of the biggest celebrations all across the country. May the Muslims of this era get inspiration from his poetry and regain their lost glory. “Nations are born in the hearts of poets, they prosper and die in the hands of politicians.” Allama Iqbal

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 09 2022

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