M Rashid Tabassum
Allama Muhammad Iqbal was born on 9th of November, 1877 in Sialkot. Iqbal day is observed every year on 9th of November across the world. Special seminars are held where speakers highlight the different aspects of Iqbal’s poetry. As well as, contests are arranged on Iqbal’s poetry. Special programs are telecasted on TV channels where iqbal’s teaching and special message of poetry are highlighted. Debates are held in schools, colleges, universities and other institutes in which students speak about the life of Iqbal. Raising more, Iqbal was a great poet, philosopher, barrister and politician. He is also known as Shair-e-Mashraq (Poet of East), Mufakkar-e-Pakistan (Pakistan’s thinker), Musawwar-e-Pakistan (Pakistan’s Artist) and Hakeem-ul-Ummat (The sage of Ummah). He wrote books on poetry in two languages Urdu and Persian.
Allama Iqbal’s poetry can be divided into three phases. In first phase he wrote poetry as Indian Nationalist. His famous poet “Saray Jahan say Acha Hindustan Hamara” (Our Hindustan is the best from all over the world) was written in first phase. When he disappointed by Hindu views, he thought himself as a Muslim first. The second phase of Iqbal’s poetry can be termed as Pan-Islamic. He wrote “Cheen o Arab hamara, Hindustan hamara, Muslim hain hum, watan hai sara jahan hamara” (China & Arab is ours, Hindustan is ours, We are Muslims, whole world is our country) in this phase. His final phase is about Pakistani Separatism. “Khanjar hilaal ka hai qoumi nishan hamara” (Crescent khanjar is our national symbol). In this phase, Iqbal fully worked for All India Muslim League and for the cause of Pakistan. Major part of the Iqbal’s poetry is about Islam and Muslims. In fact, his poetry is based on Islamic teachings. Wisdom of religion awakens from study of his poetry. Quranic teachings are eternal and global and he made his poetry universal through these teachings. Complete aim, rules, system of Islam can be easily understood with Iqbal’s poetry. He was deeply in love with Islam whole life. He was true worshipper of Islam and brimming with Prophet (SAW) love. He was very impressed from Islam. He had special interest and love with Quran. Therefore, every verse of his poetry is referred to any Quranic Ayat.
Furthermore, Iqbal made his topic of discussion to remembrance of prophet. Allah says in Quran about Ibraheem (A.S). Allah said, “O fire, be coolness and safety upon Abraham.” (Surah Al Anbiyaa – 69)
Iqbal wrote following distich.
“Bay khatar kood para aatshe namrood main ishq”
“Aqal hai mahw e tamasha e lab e baam abhi”
As well as, Allah says in Quran about Hazrat Moses (A.S) “And draw in your hand to your side; it will come out white without disease – another sign” (Surah Taha – 22)
Iqbal translated this ayat in his wording:
“Na pouch in kharqa poshoun kee, iradat ho to daikh in ko”
“Yad e Baiza liyay baithy hain apni aasteenoun main”
Concluding more, it is need of the hour is to spread the message of Iqbal. His poetry should be included as subject in every class of school, colleges and university.