Mohammad Iqbal

Biography

Sir Muhammad Iqbal, remembered as Allama Iqbal, was one of the most influential poets, philosophers, and political thinkers of modern South Asia. Born in 1877 in Sialkot, he grew up in a devout family that emphasized spirituality and education. His early schooling in Persian and Arabic laid the foundation for his deep engagement with classical literature. Later, his studies in Lahore, Cambridge, and Munich exposed him to Western philosophy, which he combined with Islamic thought to create a unique intellectual framework.

Iqbal’s poetry occupies a central place in Urdu and Persian literature. His early work, including Bang-e-Dara, drew upon romantic and patriotic themes, while his later collections such as Asrar-e-Khudi and Payam-e-Mashriq delved into profound philosophical questions. The concept of Khudi (selfhood) became central to his message, urging individuals to cultivate inner strength, dignity, and moral independence. Through ghazals, nazms, and longer philosophical poems, Iqbal offered both spiritual guidance and a call to action.

Beyond his literary genius, Iqbal played a vital role in shaping political thought. His famous Allahabad Address in 1930 outlined the vision of a separate homeland for Muslims of India, a vision that later became the foundation for the creation of Pakistan. Though he passed away in 1938, nearly a decade before independence, his ideas deeply influenced Muhammad Ali Jinnah and other leaders of the Pakistan Movement.

Iqbal’s role as a philosopher was equally significant. He sought to reconcile Islamic tradition with modern scientific and philosophical developments, arguing for a dynamic and progressive interpretation of faith. His works remain essential reading for scholars exploring the intersections of religion, politics, and philosophy in the modern Muslim world.

Despite personal hardships and declining health in his later years, Iqbal continued to write poetry that inspired millions. His legacy lives on not only in literature but also in politics and cultural identity. Today, he is revered as Pakistan’s national poet and remembered worldwide for his vision, his philosophy of self-realization, and his profound contribution to Urdu and Persian poetry.