Muhammad Iqbal- the Greatest Poet of the Muslim World

Muhammad Iqbal- the Greatest Poet of the Muslim World

Today is the day of 82nd death anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal- the greatest mind of Muslims' intellectual and creative space. Many of us recognize Iqbal as a national poet but only a few understand that his imagery poetry and intellectual work in pros have little to do with nationalism and a lot to do with awakening- the inner 'potential' in a man- which they are unaware of. Dr. Iqbal term that potential 'khudi'. 

In this regard, Iqbal claims if one triggers his 'khudi'- that is, oneself- to a certain level, one becomes the universe in oneself; much similar to Rumi's saying, "Stop acting so small, you are the universe in ecstatic motion". Apart from the subject of khudi, we find the mention of "Shaheen" in Iqbal's poetry. He regards "Shaheen" as a King of birds that flies high in the face of challenges. In fact, the more challenges Shaheen faces, the higher it flies. Iqbal wants to see such an attitude in man in general and a Muslim in particular. 

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Moreover, the reason Iqbal dignified "Shaheen" is threefold: It has a sharp and deep sight, it does not dwell on one place, it does not eat others' hunting. He asserts if Muslims are to touch climax in every field in this world, they have to establish these traits of "Shaheen". 

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To conclude, it is the need of the hour to owe Iqbal and say special thanks for his contributions. In this respect, the best way to pay tribute to him is to act upon his masterclass literary work. To materialize the dream of acting upon his teachings, understanding those teachings is the prerequisite. It is a high time school curriculum in Pakistan to be taught in such a way that Iqbal's philosophy became its central point. Truly, Iqbal was undoubtedly a genius of the Muslim world. Dispensing justice to this genius lies in widespreading his ever-lasting philosophy.

اس قوم کو شمشیر کی حاجت نہین رہتی 
ہو جس کے جوانوں کی خودی صورت فولاد

Contributed by: Siraj Mustafa

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