Allama Iqbal and the Dream of Pakistan

 Introduction

Allama Muhammad iqbal, often referred to as Mufakkir-e-Pakistan (The Thinker of Pakistan), Shair-e-Mashriq (The Poet of the East), and Hakeem-ul-Ummat (The Sage of the Ummah), is one of the most iconic and visionary figures in the history of the Indian subcontinent. He is widely credited as the man who dreamed of an independent homeland for Muslims in South Asia, a dream that ultimately materialized as the creation of Pakistan In 1947.

This blog explores the life, philosophy, and political vision of Allama Iqbal, and how his dream lald the ideological foundation for Pakistan.

Early Life of Allama Iqbal

Allama Iqbal was born on 9th November 1877 in Sialkot, in what was then British India and is now in Pakistan. He belonged to a devout Muslim family of Kashmiri descent. Iqbal showed an early aptitude for poetry and philosophy. After receiving his early education in Sialkot, he went on to study at Government College Lahore, where he was mentored by Sir Thomas Arnold, a renowned scholar

Iqbal later pursued higher education in Europe. He earned a degree in philosophy from Cambridge University, a doctorate from the University of Munich, and also studied law in London. His exposure to Western political thought, philosophy, and modernity greatly Influenced his worldview and intellectual development.

The Poet of the East

Allama Iqbal's poetry, written in Urdu and Persian, is not only admired for its literary beauty but also revered for its profound philosophical depth. His famous poetry books include:

Bang-e-Dra (Call of the Marching Bell)

Bal-e-Jibril (Gabriel's Wing)

Zarb-e-Kalim (The Rod of Moses)

Asrar-e-Khudi (Secrets of the Self)

Iqbal's poetry conveyed powerful messages of self-realization (Khudi), unity among Muslims (Ittehad-e-Muslimeen), and awakening of the sleeping Muslim Ummah. He urged Muslims to rise above sectarian and ethnic divisions and reclaim their lost dignity and strength.

One of his most quoted lines is:

“Khudi ko kar buland itna ke har taqdeer se pehle

Khuda bande se khud pooche, bata teri raza kya hai"

("Raise thy selfhood so high that before every destiny, God Himself will ask, What is it that you wish?

Allama Iqbal's Political Awakening

Although Iqbal began his career as a philosopher and poet, the deteriorating condition of Muslims in British India drove him towards political activism. He joined the All India Muslim League and began to emphasize the need for a separate identity and nation for Muslims.

In his famous Allahabad Address in 1930, Allama Iqbal presented for the first time the idea of a separate Muslim state in northwest India. He said:

"I would like to see the Punjab, North-West Frontier Province, Sind and Baluchistan amalgamated into a single state. Self-government within the British Empire, or without the British Empire, the formation of a consolidated North-West Indian Muslim state appears to me to be the final destiny of the Muslims, at least of North-West India."

This address is widely regarded as the first clear political vision of Pakistan.

The Concept of Pakistan - Iqbal's Ideological Dream

Iqbal did not live to see the creation of Pakistan in 1947, as he passed away in 1938, but his ideological contribution remained pivotal. His vision was not just of a political state but of a spiritual and moral society built on Islamic principles.

Key Ideological Themes of Iqbal's Vision:

1. Muslim Identity:

Iqbal stressed that Muslims were not just a minority but a distinct nation with their own religion, culture, history, and laws. He believed that without political autonomy, Muslims would not be able to practice and develop their identity.

2. Islamic Democracy

He believed in a modern Islamic state, where democracy would be rooted in Shura (consultation) and Ijtihad (independent reasoning), not in Western secularism.

3. Khudi (Selfhood):

Iqbal's philosophy of "Khudi" called for individual empowerment and self-respect, especially among Muslim youth. He wanted Muslims to rediscover their spiritual strength and become leaders of the world once again,

4. Pan-Islamism:

Though he dreamt of Pakistan, Iqbal's broader dream was of unity among the entire Muslim Ummah. He condemned nationalism that divided Muslims and called for Islamic solidarity.

Role of Allama Iqbal in the Pakistan Movement

While Muhammad Ali Jinnah is known as the "Father of the Nation", Allama Iqbal is rightly called the 'Spiritual Father of Pakistan". His influence on Jinnah is well documented. It was Iqbal who urged Jinnah to return to Indian politics and lead the Muslim cause.

In one of his letters to Jinnah, Iqbal wrote:

'It is my belief that only you are capable of leading the Muslims. I know that you are a man of great vision and intellect."

Iqbal's unwavering belief in Muslim nationalism and his articulation of the need for a separate homeland provided the ideological justification for Pakistan. His poetry became a source of inspiration for millions of Muslims, and his words continue to echo in the foundations of Pakistan.