Every so often, a figure emerges whose impact echoes through time. Sir Muhammad Iqbal, a name that resonates deeply in the hearts of millions, is one such figure. Born on November 9, 1877, in the town of Sialkot in British India (now in Pakistan), Iqbal became a visionary whose thoughts and poetry still shape the identity of South Asia. His journey was not just that of a poet but a philosopher, politician, and the driving force behind the creation of Pakistan.
A Humble Beginning in Sialkot
Iqbal’s story begins in a small house in the heart of Sialkot, where he was born into a Punjabi-Kashmiri family. His father, Sheikh Noor Muhammad, was a tailor with little formal education, yet he instilled a deep sense of spirituality in his son. Iqbal’s mother, Imam Bibi, was a soft-spoken, kind-hearted woman, whose compassion for others left a lasting mark on the poet. It was she who encouraged Iqbal’s education and spiritual growth, setting the foundation for his intellectual journey.
From an early age, Iqbal showed an exceptional intellect. At just four years old, he started his first lessons in the Quran at a local mosque. His fascination with learning only deepened as he grew. By the age of 13, he had already mastered the Arabic language, and his love for poetry began to take root.
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A Scholar on the Rise
Iqbal’s formal education began at the Scotch Mission College in Sialkot, where he studied Arabic under the guidance of Syed Mir Hassan, a respected teacher. He excelled academically and won accolades for his impressive knowledge of philosophy, Arabic, and English literature. In 1897, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Government College Lahore, one of the most prestigious institutions in India at the time. He followed this with a Master of Arts degree, securing the first position in philosophy from the University of the Punjab.
His early works in poetry, written in both Urdu and Persian, reflected his philosophical mind and his growing concerns about the political and spiritual direction of the Muslim world. Iqbal’s most famous poem, “Parinde ki Faryad” (The Bird’s Prayer), penned for children, explored the concept of freedom and the importance of animal rights, showing an early inclination towards progressive thoughts.
A Journey to the West
In 1905, driven by the need to further his academic pursuits, Iqbal traveled to England. It was here that his intellectual horizons expanded. At Trinity College, Cambridge, he obtained another Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy. Soon after, he was called to the bar as a barrister at Lincoln’s Inn.
However, it was during his time in Europe, particularly in Germany, that Iqbal’s true transformation took place. He earned a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Munich in 1908. His doctoral thesis, “The Development of Metaphysics in Persia,” delved into Islamic philosophy and its evolution, marking the beginning of his lifelong devotion to understanding and interpreting Islamic thought.
During this period, Iqbal found inspiration in the works of Western philosophers like Nietzsche, Bergson, and Goethe. Yet, it was the Persian mystic Rumi, whose poetry he embraced, that would influence Iqbal most profoundly. Rumi became his spiritual guide, and Iqbal’s own poetry began to take on a deeper, more philosophical tone.
The Poet-Philosopher Emerges
Returning to India in 1908, Iqbal resumed his position as a professor of philosophy at Government College Lahore. But his career in academia was short-lived as he soon turned his focus to writing and politics. His poetry became a tool to ignite thought and inspire a movement.
Iqbal’s famous book, Asrar-e-Khudi (Secrets of the Self), was a call for self-realization and empowerment. In it, Iqbal argued that individuals must cultivate their inner strength and purpose to truly contribute to society. His philosophy of Khudi (selfhood) called for Muslims to recognize their unique identity and role in the world.
But Iqbal’s intellectual pursuits did not stop at philosophy. He ventured into politics, believing that the spiritual revival of the Muslim world was inseparable from political freedom. In 1930, in his landmark Allahabad Address, Iqbal laid the groundwork for the two-nation theory, which later became the ideological foundation for the creation of Pakistan. He envisioned a separate homeland for Muslims in India, where they could live in peace and practice their religion freely. This idea would eventually come to fruition in 1947, with the creation of Pakistan, nearly a decade after Iqbal’s death.
A Life of Struggle and Achievement
Iqbal’s vision for a stronger, united Muslim world was not limited to just political aspirations. He worked tirelessly to promote the spiritual and intellectual awakening of the Muslim community, particularly the youth. Sir Iqbal believed that Islam, when practiced in its true form, could be a powerful force for societal change. He also emphasized the importance of education, urging Muslims to reclaim their legacy and embrace modern knowledge alongside their rich cultural heritage.
In his later years, Iqbal became involved in various national and international causes. He was elected to the Punjab Legislative Council in 1927, and his influence continued to grow. Despite his hectic schedule, he never stopped writing, and his works, including Rumuz-e-Bekhudi (The Secrets of Selflessness) and Bang-e-Dara (The Call of the Marching Bell), inspired millions across the world.
His personal life, though marked by several marriages and personal tragedies, never deterred him from his path. Iqbal lost his beloved mother, Imam Bibi, in 1914, a blow that deeply affected him.
His elegy for her, written in the form of a poem, beautifully expressed his grief:
“Who would wait for me anxiously in my native place?
Who would display restlessness if my letter fails to arrive?
I will visit thy grave with this complaint:
Who will now think of me in midnight prayers?”
Legacy of a Visionary
Despite his declining health in his final years, Iqbal continued to fight for his vision of an independent Muslim state. In the 1930s, he began suffering from a throat illness that would eventually lead to his death on April 21, 1938. But even in his final days, Iqbal was spiritually resolute, frequently seeking guidance from the Sufi saints and continuing to inspire those around him.
Iqbal’s contributions were not just confined to his poetry. He was also a lawyer, a politician, and a relentless advocate for the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent. Today, he is known as Hakim-ul-Ummat (The Sage of the Ummah) and Mufakkir-e-Pakistan (The Thinker of Pakistan). His birthday, November 9, is celebrated as a public holiday in Pakistan, a testament to his importance in shaping the nation.
Iqbal’s influence extends far beyond the borders of Pakistan. His works have been translated into several languages and have inspired countless individuals worldwide. Whether through his poetry, philosophy, or political activism, Iqbal’s message was clear: he wanted to see a world where Muslims, and humanity as a whole, could thrive spiritually and intellectually.
Finally
Sir Muhammad Iqbal’s life was nothing short of extraordinary. From his humble beginnings in Sialkot to his profound impact on the political and spiritual landscape of the Muslim world, Iqbal’s legacy is one that continues to inspire. His words, filled with passion and vision, still ring true today. Iqbal was not just a poet, not just a philosopher, but a man who dreamt of a better world—a world where self-realization, unity, and faith would shape the future of the Ummah. His journey was one of tireless dedication to the upliftment of his people, and his story is a reminder that one person, armed with a vision and a pen, can change the course of history.
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