Biography of National Urdu Poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal

Introduction

Allama Muhammad Iqbal, widely revered as the "Poet of the East" and the "Spiritual Father of Pakistan," was a prominent philosopher, poet, and politician of the Indian subcontinent. Born on November 9, 1877, in Sialkot, a city now in Pakistan, Iqbal's literary and intellectual contributions played a pivotal role in shaping the ideological foundation of Pakistan. His work not only inspired the creation of a separate homeland for Muslims but also left an indelible mark on Urdu poetry and philosophy.

Early Life and Education

Iqbal hailed from a humble background. His father, Sheikh Noor Muhammad, was a devout man who instilled in him a love for Islam and its teachings. Iqbal's early education began at a local mosque, and he later attended Scotch Mission College in Sialkot. His intellectual prowess and passion for literature were evident from a young age, and he excelled in his studies.

After completing his education in Sialkot, Iqbal proceeded to Government College Lahore, one of the most prestigious institutions of that time. There, he delved into the realms of philosophy, literature, and Islamic studies under the guidance of renowned scholars. His exposure to Western philosophy and literature, combined with his deep-rooted understanding of Islamic thought, laid the foundation for his unique intellectual perspective.

Quest for Knowledge and Philosophy

Iqbal's thirst for knowledge led him to pursue higher studies in Europe. He obtained a degree in philosophy from the University of Cambridge and a doctorate from the University of Munich. His time abroad exposed him to various intellectual movements, and he became particularly interested in the philosophy of selfhood, spiritual awakening, and the revitalization of Islamic thought in the modern world.

Iqbal's philosophical ideas centered on the concept of "Khudi," or selfhood. He believed that individual self-awareness and self-realization were crucial for personal growth and the advancement of society. His poetry often encouraged individuals to discover their inner potential and contribute positively to the world around them.

Literary Contributions

Allama Iqbal's poetry is characterized by its profound spiritual depth, intricate metaphors, and intricate use of language. His collections, including "Bang-e-Dara," "Asrar-e-Khudi," and "Zabur-e-Ajam," reflect his philosophical and ideological musings. He seamlessly merged classical Persian and Urdu poetry with contemporary themes, making his work accessible to a wide audience.

One of his most celebrated compositions is "Lab Pe Aati Hai Dua Ban Ke Tamanna Meri," which is recited in schools across Pakistan to this day. This poem captures the essence of Iqbal's vision for a brighter future, where children are inspired to dream and work towards a better world.

Political Engagement and Vision for Muslims

Iqbal's intellectual and literary endeavors were closely intertwined with his political activism. He recognized the challenges faced by Muslims in British India and believed that they needed a united front to secure their rights and preserve their cultural and religious identity. He envisioned a separate homeland for Muslims, where they could practice their faith freely and contribute to a just society.

His famous Allahabad Address in 1930 outlined his vision for an independent Muslim state in India. This address laid the groundwork for the creation of Pakistan in 1947, fulfilling Iqbal's dream of a separate nation for Muslims.

Legacy and Impact

Allama Muhammad Iqbal's legacy continues to shape the cultural, philosophical, and political landscape of Pakistan and beyond. His poetry remains a source of inspiration for generations, resonating with individuals striving for self-improvement and a deeper connection with their faith. His ideas about self-realization, unity, and social justice are relevant in today's world, and his call for Muslims to uphold their identity while engaging with modernity remains significant.

Iqbal's contributions extend beyond poetry; his philosophies have influenced scholars, thinkers, and leaders globally. He left behind a legacy that bridges the gap between tradition and progress, spirituality and reason, and individuality and community.

Conclusion

Allama Muhammad Iqbal's life journey encapsulates the evolution of a brilliant poet, philosopher, and visionary who left an indelible mark on the world. His unwavering commitment to self-discovery, spiritual growth, and the empowerment of Muslims led to the realization of a separate homeland for them. His poetry and philosophy continue to inspire individuals to seek personal excellence, contribute positively to society, and uphold their cultural and religious values. Allama Iqbal's legacy remains a beacon of light for those who strive for a harmonious blend of tradition and progress in an ever-changing world

Sample Of Poetry 

Ghazal No 1

mhbt ke tmna hay to oh osf peda kr 

jhan say ashq chlta hay ohan tk nam peda kr 

agr sch hay meray ashq men aay to bne aadm 

ngah ashq peda kr، jmal zrf peda kr 

men tjh ko tjh say zeadh chahon ga 

mgr shrt yh kh apnay andr mere jstjo to peda kr  

agr nh bdlon tere khatr hr ak chez to khna 

to apnay aap men phlay andaz ofa to peda kr 

Allama Muhammad Iqbal

Ghazal No 2 :

qot ashq say hr pst ko bala kr day

dhr men asm mhmd say ajala krday​

ho nh yh phol to blbl ka trnm bhe nh ho

chmn dhr men kleon ka tbsm bhe nh ho​

khemh aflak ka aestadh as nam say hay

nbz hste tpsh aamadh ase nam say hay​

dsht men، damnِ khsar men ، medan men hay

bhr men،‌moj ke aaghosh men ، tofan men hay​

chen kay shhr mraksh kay beaban men hay

aor poshedh mslman kay aeman men hay​

chshm aflak yh nzarh abd tk dekhay

rfat shan rfana lk zkrk dekhay​ 

Allama Muhammad Iqbal 

Ghazal No 3

jnhen men dhondta tha aasmanon men zmenon men

oh nklay meray zlmt khan dl kay mkenon men

mhenay osl kay ghrreon ke sort arrtay jatay hen

mgr ghrrean jdae'e ke gzrte hen mhenon men

mjhay rokay ga to aay nakhda kea ghrq honay say

kh jn ko dobna ho، dob jatay hen sfenon men

jla skte hay shma kshth ko moj nfs an ke

alhe! kea chhpa hota hay ahl dl kay senon men

tmna drd dl ke ho to krkhdmt fqeron ke

nhen mlta yh gohr badshahon kay khzenon men

mhbt kay leay dl dhond koe'e totnay oala

eh oh may hay jsay rkhtay hen nazk aabgenon men

srapa hsn bn jata hay js kay hsn ka aashq

bhla aay dl hsen aesa bhe hay koe'e hsenon men

nmaean ho kay dkhla day kbhe an ko jmal apna

bht mdt say chrchay hen tray barek benon men

khmosh aay dl!، bhre mhfl men chlana nhen achha

adb phla qrenh hay mhbt kay qrenon men

bra smjhon anhen mjh say to aesa ho nhe skta

kh men khod bhe to hon aqbal apnay nkth chenon men

Allama Muhammad Iqbal

Ghazal No 4

atho ، mere dnea kay ghrebon ko jga do

kakh amra' kay ، dr o deoar hla do۔

grma ghlamon ka lho ، soz yqen say

knjshk fromaeh ko ، shahen say lrra do۔

js khet say dhqan ko mesr nhen roze

as khet kay hr khoshh' gndm ko jla do

sltane jmhor ka aata hay zmanh

jo nqsh khn tm ko nzr aae'ay ، mta do

keon khalq o mkhloq men hae'l rhen prday

peran klesa ko ، klesa say atha do۔

hq ra bsjoday ، snman ra btoafay

bhtr hay chragh hrm o der bjha do۔

men nakhosh o bezar hon ، mrmr ke slon say

meray leay mte ka hrm ، aor bna do۔

Allama Muhammad Iqbal

Ghazal No 5

agr kj ro hen anjm aasman tera hay ya mera 

mjhay fkr jhan keon ho jhan tera hay ya mera 

agr hngamh hae'ay shoq say hay la mkan khale 

khta ks ke hay ya rb la mkan tera hay ya mera 

asay sbh azl ankar ke jrأt hoe'e keon kr 

mjhay malom kea oh razdan tera hay ya mera 

mhmd bhe tra jbrel bhe qraan bhe tera 

mgr yh hrf sheren trjman tera hay ya mera 

ase kokb ke tabane say hay tera jhan roshn 

zoal aadm khake zean tera hay ya mera

Allama Muhammad Iqbal