National Poet of Pakistan: Allama Iqbal

Allama Iqbal was born on 9th November 1877 in Sialkot, Punjab, British India. He is widely considered to be the national poet of Pakistan and is also revered in parts of India. Iqbal is known for his Urdu and Persian poetry which are infused with Islamic spiritualism. His poems and writings continue to inspire people across the globe even today.

Allama Iqbal: Life and Work

Allama Iqbal was born on 9 November 1877, in Sialkot, Punjab, British India (now in Pakistan), into a Kashmiri family of Pashtun ethnicity. His parents were Sheikh Noor Muhammad and Imdadullah Khan's wife, Sardar Begum. He had four brothers and three sisters; his eldest brother, Sir Muhammad Taqi Iqbal, became a philosopher and the youngest, Javed Iqbal, became a judge.

Iqbal was educated first at home then he attended Mosque Agha Khan for primary education. For his secondary education he went to Sialkot Mission School then Murray College from where he graduated with highest distinction in 1897. Afterwards he attended Government College Lahore from where he received his BA degree in 1899 and did MA Philosophy in 1901. After returning from England, where he was called to the Bar at Lincoln's Inn, Iqbal started practising law.

Iqbal married Munirah Khanum in 1895. They had three children: two sons Asadullah Khan and Munawwar Iqbal; and a daughter Maryam Iqbal.

In 1905, when the partition of Bengal was announced, Iqbal joined the Muslim League. In 1907, he delivered his famous Allahabad Address in which he called for the Muslims of British India to unite under the banner of Islam.
Iqbal died on 21 April 1938 at the age of 60 after suffering from

Allama Iqbal's Contribution to Urdu Poetry

Allama Iqbal was a poet, philosopher, and politician who is widely regarded as having played a pivotal role in the making of Pakistan. He is credited with helping to shape Urdu poetry and literature, and his work remains hugely popular in Pakistan today.

Iqbal's poetry is characterized by its spiritual and philosophical nature, and he is often referred to as the "Poet of the East". His best-known poem, "Shikwa", is an expression of his frustration with the state of Muslims in India at the time. In it, he calls on Allah to grant Muslims strength and courage to overcome their difficulties.

Iqbal's poetry had a profound impact on the development of Urdu literature, and his work continues to be highly respected by Pakistani intellectuals.

Allama Iqbal and the Pakistan Movement

Allama Iqbal is considered one of the most important figures in the Pakistan Movement, which led to the creation of the modern state of Pakistan. Iqbal was a poet, philosopher, and politician who is credited with helping to articulate the idea of Pakistan as a separate homeland for Muslims.

Iqbal's poetry played an important role in shaping public opinion during the Pakistan Movement. His poems were filled with patriotic and religious imagery that inspired many Muslims to support the cause of Pakistan. Iqbal also wrote extensively about the need for Muslim unity and self-reliance, which helped to rally support for the creation of an independent Muslim state.

As a politician, Iqbal was a strong advocate for Muslim rights within British India. He called for greater Muslim autonomy and helped to draft the 1940 manifesto known as the Lahore Resolution, which called for the establishment of an independent Muslim state in areas where Muslims constituted a majority population.

Iqbal's ideas and writings were instrumental in shaping the course of the Pakistan Movement, and his vision for an independent Muslim state became a reality when Pakistan was created in 1947.

Allama Iqbal's Legacy

Allama Iqbal is considered one of the most important figures in Pakistani history. He is credited with helping to create the modern Muslim state of Pakistan. Iqbal's poetry and philosophy played a key role in inspiring the Pakistan movement, which led to the creation of the Pakistani nation in 1947.

Iqbal is also revered as a major Islamic thinker and philosopher. His ideas and writings influenced many other Muslim intellectuals and leaders, including Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. Iqbal's poetry is still widely read and appreciated in Pakistan and across the Islamic world.

Allama Iqbal's legacy continues to be an important part of Pakistani national identity. He is celebrated as a national hero and his birthday is a public holiday in Pakistan.

Conclusion

Allama Iqbal was a great poet who is cherished and respected by the people of Pakistan. He wrote many poems that inspire people to be proud of their country and to work hard for its development. His poetry is timeless and will continue to be enjoyed by future generations.

Zona Marwah