Freedom Fighters’ Gallery
Dr. Muhammad Allama Iqbal
by
Isam Hanif Majeed
He is known as one of the greatest poets of all time. He had a clear vision to see a separate homeland for the Muslims of British India. He is none other than Dr. Muhammad Iqbal. He is also referred to as Allama Iqbal, with ‘Allama’ meaning ‘the most learned’.
Dr. Muhammad Iqbal was born in 1877, in Sialkot, Punjab. He studied in Sialkot and Lahore, and later on went to Germany and England for completing his education. Having done his BA in England, he was eligible to practice law as an advocate. Although after returning to the British India he established his law practice, he focused mainly on writing.
In 1923, he received knighthood from George V for writing Asrar-e-Khudi. Some of his most famous works are the Bang-e-Dira, Rumuz-e-Bekhudi and Payam e Mashriq. Majority of Dr. Iqbal’s poetry is in Persian (more than 50%). Dr. Iqbal wrote two books in English, and it is stated by some historians that he also wrote a book on economics. Pakistan has named him as the National Poet of Pakistan for his remarkable poetry and writings.
After Dr. Iqbal returned from England, he actively took part in the meetings of the All India Muslim League and was made joint secretary of the party. He was a critic of the Indian National Congress and took part in the Khilafat Movement.
Dr. Iqbal firmly believed that Muhammad Ali Jinnah was the right man for leading the Muslim Ummah towards freedom. He called out to Muslims, apprised them to join the Muslim League, and convinced Muhammad Ali Jinnah to lead the Muslims in standing up against the British and the Hindus.
Dr. Iqbal passed away before Pakistan was an independent nation, but his efforts will always be remembered not only by Pakistanis but also the world at large.
“We, Mulims, believe in one God, one book – the Holy Quran – and one Prophet. So we must stand united as one nation.” (Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision for every Pakistani)
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