ALLAMA IQBAL

A poet is born, not made.

Poetry is the art of expressing one’s feelings and ideas in an impressive
manner. It provides us pleasure besides improving our awareness of life.
The poet is a man of deep insight and sensitive nature. He can make us
see and feel in a wonderful way. He is a man of exceptional qualities of
heart and mind, unparalleled vigor, matchless genius and unique talent. I
am also fond of reading poetry, especially Urdu and Punjabi poetry.
A poet is, before anything else, a person who is passionately in love
with language.
Allama Iqbal is my favourite author and he is the greatest philosophers in
Asia. He is one of those eminent personalities who have changed the
course of history with their tireless and selfless efforts. Iqbal’s poetry,
much of which was translated to Urdu, motivated and inspired the
Muslims of the Indian subcontinent during the British Raj. He has written
poetry in Urdu and Persian. Iqbal wrote lyrics. (“ghazals”) first of all.
These poems are about beauty and love. Iqbal sees the beauty of Nature.
He expresses his love for it in his poems like “Kashmir.” In these poems,
he writes about birds, mountains, hills, streams and beautiful scenes in
Nature. Iqbal thinks that love can have a very positive effect on us. It
makes us noble in action and thought.
Several of our heroes are great, but you are the greatest of all.
He is our national poet. He is a universal poet, in particular of the Islamic
world.
He was the father of ideology of Pakistan. He aroused the Muslims of
India with the help of his inspiring poetry. His poetry infused a new spirit
in the Muslim Youth and set them to action.  He awakened the sleeping
nation. He told the Muslims that, through unity and struggle, they would
be able to win Independence. In fact, Iqbal asked all the Muslims of the
world to unite. The best of his poetry gives the message of “world Muslim
unity.” He means to say that all the Muslim nations are in reality one
great nation, as all Muslims believe in one God and His Prophet (may
peace be upon him).
Poetry is nearer to vital truth than history.
Unlike other Urdu poets he is not concerned with love and female
beauty. He gets poetic inspiration from his beautiful ideas. Islam and
Muslim civilization form the central theme of his poetry. He is deeply
convinced that Islam is the best system of life that can make the Muslims
glorious once again. In his poems, Dr. Iqbal exhorts the Muslims to come
back to the fold of Islam and to regain their lost prestige. I like his poetry
which gives us the message of hope and struggle of life. His concept of
“Khudi” is appreciated by the scholars all over the world.
Elevate yourself so high that even God, before issuing every decree of
destiny, should ask you: Tell me, what is your intent? - Iqbal

Allama Iqbal was born at Sialkot on the 9th of November 1877. His father,
Sheikh Noor Muhammad, was a great mystic, Iqbal inheritated mysticism
and deep love for religion from his father. He got his early education at a
local high school and passed his intermediate examination from the
Murrey College, Sialkot. He was greatly impressed by his teacher, Syed
Mir Hassan, who taught him Arabic, Persian and Islamiat. Then, he joined
Govt.College, Lahore for higher studies. There, he was greatly inspired by
Dr. Arnold who advised him to study philosophy. In 1899, he did his M A
in Philosophy and started teaching at Govt.College, Lahore.
Education is the movement from darkness to light.

He proceeded to Europe for higher studies in 1905. He obtained the

degree of Bar-at-law from London and the degree of PhD in philosophy
from Germany. His stay in Europe was of great importance. He keenly
observed social, economic, cultural and political values of Europe. But,
the materialism of the western society could not impress him.
Empty of concord is the soul of Europe,
Whose civilization to no Makkah bends. - Iqbal
On his return, he started his law practice in the Lahore High Courts. But,
he soon gave up his profession because his heart was not in it. His
interest was in poetry, philosophy and religion.
Poetry is nearer to vital truth than history.
Allama Iqbal was much worried about the sad and miserable plight of the
Muslims. They were politically, economically and educationally backward,
oppressed and exploited. Through his poetry, he wanted to arouse the
Muslims from sound-slumber and develop in them political
consciousness. He made them conscious of their political, social and
religious status. His poetry breathed a new spirit into the Muslims. He
wanted to revise the glorious past of the Muslims
Love’s madness has departed: in  The Muslim's veins the blood runs
thin; Ranks broken, hearts perplexed, prayers cold, No feeling deeper
than the skin. - Iqbal
Iqbal was not only a great poet but also a great leader, he did not believe
in art for art’s sake. Through the medium of his Urdu and Persian poetry,
he expressed his political, philosophical and religious ideas. He composed
several remarkable poems which carry the inspiring concepts of “Khudi”,
“Mard-e-Momin” and “Shaheen”. His poetry infused the spirit of dignity
and freedom in the Muslim Youth and made them realize their religious
identity.
I tell you the sign of a believer; When Death comes, there is a smile on
his lips - Iqbal
Allama Iqbal is an inspired and creative poet. His poetry is rich in imagery
and has remarkable poetic appeal due to the beauty of sound. He
expressed his religious and philosophical views by using simple language,
beautiful smiles and historical metaphors. Many volumes of his poetry
have been published. Bang-e-Dara, Bal-e-Jabril, Zarb-e-Kaleem, Asrar-e-
Khudi, Payam-e-Mashraq. Javaid Nama are some of them. All of these
have become classics of literature.
His giant wings prevent him from walking.
Iqbal’s poetry worked wonder in arousing the Muslims from sound-
slumber. It greatly inspired politicians, journalists and students. In 1930,
Iqbal delivered his historic presidential address in the annual session of
the all India Muslim League at Allahabad. He asserted that the only
solution of the problems of the Indian Muslims was a separate Muslim
state. This was the first demand for Pakistan
A leader is a dealer in hope.

With his selfless and sincere efforts, he molded the fate of his people. He
was a man of determination, will-power, steadfastness and undaunted
spirit. His charismatic personality stimulates the energy, courage and
enthusiasm of the Muslims. His words have power to inspire devotion
and dedication.
Words are the most powerful drugs used by heroes.
Unfortunately, he could not live long to see the emergence of Pakistan.
He died in 1938, nine years before the creation of Pakistan. So he is
remembered and honored not only as a great poet but also as the
founder of Pakistan Ideology. His death was mourned by the entire
Muslim world. He will remain alive in the hearts of the Muslims forever.
He dies … alas! How soon, he dies.