PESHAWAR
\nAt a time when nations are grappling with rapidly changing global dynamics, economic uncertainties, security challenges, social inequalities and technological transformations, the philosophy of great thinkers offers a guiding light to navigate complexities and build a prosperous future.
\nFor Pakistan, the intellectual legacy of Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal is more than a literary treasure or a historical reference. It is a powerful call for self-discovery, intellectual awakening, national unity and collective responsibility, urging individuals to rise above despair, recognize their potential and contribute meaningfully to prosperity of society.
\nAs the nation celebrates the 149th birth anniversary of the Poet of the East on November 9, his message of Khudi (selfhood), symbolism of Shaheen (eagle), and his vision of an enlightened and progressive Muslim society continue to resonate with particular relevance among generations facing the challenges of a rapidly evolving world.
\nBorn on November 9, 1877, in Sialkot at residence of Sheikh Noor Muhammad, Allama Iqbal emerged as one of the most influential poets, philosophers and intellectuals of the twentieth century.
\nHis remarkable intellectual journey transformed poetry into an instrument of awakening, inspiring Muslims of the subcontinent to rediscover their identity, dignity and collective strength.
\nHis dream of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent, articulated prominently in his historic Allahabad address in 1930, subsequently became a reality through the political struggle led by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, culminating in the creation of Pakistan in 1947.
\nHowever, experts believed that confining Iqbal\u2019s legacy merely to the Pakistan Movement would be an injustice to the depth and universality of his thought. His philosophy encompasses almost every dimension of human existence, including education, morality, spirituality, individual development, social justice, political consciousness and the relationship between individuals and society.
\n\u201cAllama Iqbal\u2019s poetry transcended geographical boundaries, making him a respected intellectual figure from Asia and the Middle East to Europe and America. His ability to inspire and awaken Muslim youth in British India remains a remarkable testament to his intellectual genius,\u201d said Prof Dr Younas Khan of Islamia College Peshawar.
\nTalking to APP, he said Dr Allama Iqbal carried forward the intellectual renaissance initiated by great educationist Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and provided philosophical direction to the Muslims of the subcontinent at a critical juncture in their history.
\nReferring to Dr. Iqbal\u2019s political vision, he said his historic Allahabad address 1930 provided an important intellectual foundation for the idea of a separate homeland, which was subsequently translated into reality through the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam.
\nHe added that Iqbal\u2019s poetry encouraged Muslims to overcome fear, challenge colonial subjugation through peaceful intellectual and political struggle, and stand up for their rights, identity and dignity.
\nAt the heart of Iqbal\u2019s philosophy lies the concept of Khudi, which encourages individuals to recognize their inner strength, develop confidence, acquire knowledge and cultivate the courage to shape their own destiny.
\nThrough his celebrated Persian work Asrar-e-Khudi, Dr. Allama Iqbal explained that selfhood was not an expression of arrogance or selfishness but a continuous process of self-realization, moral development and strengthening one\u2019s relationship with Allah Almighty.
\n\u201cHis message was particularly significant for young people, whom he regarded as the driving force behind social transformation and national progress. The famous symbolism of Shaheen, or eagle, represents this spirit of ambition and freedom. Unlike birds that depend on others for sustenance, the Shaheen symbolizes courage, independence, farsightedness, resilience and an uncompromising pursuit of higher objectives.\u201d
\nDr Younas referred to five important attributes associated with Iqbal\u2019s Shaheen philosophy, including farsightedness, fearlessness, independence, contemplation and resilience, saying these qualities could help young people develop leadership abilities, intellectual confidence and a sense of responsibility towards society.
\n\u201cDr. Iqbal\u2019s intellectual journey through English, Arabic, Urdu and Persian literature, alongside his extensive exposure to Greek and German philosophers, shaped a unique worldview that continues to offer guidance to humanity,\u201d he observed.
\nEven after 149 years since his birth, Dr. Muhmmad Iqbal\u2019s philosophical teachings remained relevant for Muslims across the world, offering hope, intellectual direction and inspiration for a better future.
\nBeyond individual empowerment, Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal attached equal importance to collective welfare, believing that the strength of a nation depended upon the character, discipline and contribution of its citizens.
\nProfessor Dr Ejaz Khan of University of Peshawar described Iqbal\u2019s philosophy as deeply humanistic and solution-oriented, emphasizing that his message went beyond political awakening to encompass peace, prosperity, social harmony and the promotion of Islamic values.
\n\u201cOne of the cornerstones of Dr Iqbal\u2019s philosophy is the transformation of individuals into productive and responsible citizens. He strongly believed that reformation of individuals could ultimately lead to the reformation of society,\u201d Dr Ejaz said.
\nReferring to Iqbal\u2019s Persian masterpiece Ramooz-e-Bekhudi (The Secrets of Selflessness), he explained that the individual and the nation were closely interconnected, with each deriving strength and identity from the other.
\nHe said Iqbal emphasized that individuals could achieve dignity and recognition through their collective identity, while a nation could only become strong through the character, commitment and positive contribution of its people.
\n\u201cThis philosophy offers a meaningful response to several challenges confronting our society, including nepotism, corruption, social injustice and declining moral values.
\nWhen individuals prioritize collective interests over personal gains, institutions become stronger and society moves towards progress,\u201d he added.
\nDr Ejaz said that Iqbal\u2019s message of selflessness, discipline and collective responsibility needed to be incorporated into educational institutions to prepare a generation capable of addressing contemporary national challenges.
\nAnother educationist, Professor Dr A.H. Hilali of Politcal Science Department, described Allama Iqbal as a philosopher of all eras whose intellectual vision was far ahead of his time.
\nHe said Iqbal\u2019s Allahabad address of 1930 was a historic milestone in the political evolution of the Muslims of the subcontinent, providing a vision that was eventually realized through the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
\n\u201cDr Iqbal envisioned a universal society founded on justice, equality, harmony and human dignity. His philosophy was not confined to any particular geographical region, as its message of humanism and moral awakening carries universal appeal,\u201d Dr Hilali said.
\nHe added that Iqbal\u2019s extensive studies of different intellectual traditions, religions, mythologies and philosophical schools distinguished him from his contemporaries and established him as one of the greatest intellectual figures of the twentieth century.
\nHis poetry, he said, continued to be taught and researched at leading educational institutions in Pakistan and abroad, while dedicated departments of Iqbaliat were helping preserve and promote his intellectual heritage.
\nFor ordinary citizens, students and young professionals, Dr. Iqbal\u2019s message offers a practical lesson that success is not achieved through resources, privilege or opportunities alone but through determination, knowledge, character and an unwavering belief in one\u2019s abilities.
\nAt a time when many young people are confronted with unemployment, uncertainty, social pressures and limited opportunities, his philosophy encourages them to replace pessimism with hope, dependence with self-reliance and inactivity with purposeful action.
\nHis emphasis on knowledge and intellectual inquiry also carries particular significance in an age dominated by information technology, artificial intelligence and global competition, where nations must invest in education, research, innovation and critical thinking to secure their future.
\nEqually important is his message of national unity and social responsibility, reminding citizens that sustainable progress cannot be achieved through individual success alone but requires justice, honesty, tolerance and collective commitment.
\nAs Pakistan celebrates the 149th birth anniversary of its national poet with profound reverence and enthusiasm, educationists believe that merely holding ceremonies, seminars and literary gatherings is not enough to preserve his legacy.
\nThe real tribute to Dr Muhammad Iqbal would be to translate his teachings into practical action by strengthening educational institutions, promoting intellectual curiosity, encouraging scientific thinking, ensuring social justice and nurturing a generation equipped with character, confidence and leadership qualities.
\nFor a nation aspiring to achieve economic stability, political maturity and international recognition, Iqbal\u2019s philosophy remains an enduring source of inspiration.
\nHis timeless message continues to remind the nation that the journey towards greatness begins with the awakening of the individual, grows through collective unity and ultimately reaches its destination through knowledge, character and an unwavering commitment to a higher purpose.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
PESHAWAR At a time when nations are grappling with rapidly changing global dynamics, economic uncertainties, security challenges, social inequalities and technological transformations, the philosophy of great thinkers offers a guiding light to navigate complexities and build a prosperous future. For Pakistan, the intellectual legacy of Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal is more than a literary treasure […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-576842","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","category-peshawar"],"yoast_head":"\n