M Rashid Tabassum
Allama Muhammad Iqbal is one of the greatest thinkers in the history of the Muslim world. He was a poet, philosopher, and reformer who dedicated his life to guide the youth. He believed that young people are the real strength of any nation. According to him, the rise and fall of nations depends on the role of their youth. His poetry was a complete guide for personal growth and national development.
The basic concept of Iqbal’s philosophy is Khudi, which means selfhood. He thought that Every person should understand their true identity and recognize their inner potential. He believed that success begins with self-confidence.Its means that the youth should not depend on others but take responsibility for their own future. By building self-confidence and realizing their strength, youth can achieve great success in life.
Furthermore, Iqbal gave the example of Shaheen, the eagle, as an ideal for young people. The Shaheen is a symbol of courage, independence, and high ambition. It does not live in comfort and does not depend on others. Instead, it flies high and faces difficulties with strength. Through this example, Iqbal encouraged young people to set high goals and avoid a life of ease and laziness. He believed that too much ease and luxury can weaken a person and lead to failure.
Moreover, Iqbal strongly emphasized the importance of hard work and struggle. He said that success cannot be achieved without effort and sacrifice. Life is full of challenges, and facing them with courage helps in building strong character. He warned the youth not to look for shortcuts to success. In today’s world, many young people want quick results without hard work, but Iqbal’s message reminds them that real success comes with patience and continuous effort.
In addition, Iqbal also discussed the decline of the Muslim world. He identified loss of direction, weak leadership, and distance from core values as the main causes of this decline. However, he did not promote hopelessness. Instead, he encouraged the youth to learn from the past and take inspiration from the achievements of their ancestors. He believed that history is a source of guidance, and by learning from it, a better future can be built.
Another important part of Iqbal’s message is passion and determination. He introduced the idea of “soz-e-jigar,” which means a deep inner passion that drives a person to take action. He emphasized that success requires continuous struggle, movement, and commitment. According to him, those who stop trying or lose hope cannot achieve their goals. This message is very important for today’s youth, who often face disappointment and challenges.
Additionally, Iqbal supported critical thinking. He encouraged the idea of ijtihad, which means using one’s own reasoning and understanding. He advised young people not to follow others blindly but to think carefully and make their own decisions. In the modern world, where new problems are emerging every day, this approach is very useful. It helps the youth to develop creative and practical solutions for different challenges.
As well as, today’s youth are facing many serious problems such as unemployment, financial difficulties, and uncertainty about the future. These issues create stress and frustration among young people. In such conditions, Iqbal’s message provides hope and direction. He encouraged the youth to remain positive, build their confidence, and focus on learning useful skills. By improving their abilities and working hard, they can create opportunities for themselves and achieve success.
Iqbal strongly believed that the youth have the power to change the destiny of a nation. Their energy, ideas, and actions can bring positive change in society. However, this requires discipline, dedication, and a clear purpose in life. If young people follow the principles of self-reliance, hard work, and determination, they can contribute to both their personal success and the development of their country.
In conclusion, the message of Allama Muhammad Iqbal is simple but very powerful. He called upon the youth to recognize their true potential, remain strong in their goals, and never lose hope. His teachings are not limited to the past but are still relevant today. If the youth follow his guidance in their daily lives, they can overcome all challenges and play an important role in the progress and prosperity of their nation.
Note: The writer is freelance columnist based in Lahore, can be reached at [email protected]