By Kashmir Pen team
Shazia Shah | Iram Iqbal Shah
April 21 marks the death anniversary of one of the greatest minds of the subcontinent—Sir Mohammad Iqbal (1877–1938), the poet-philosopher, visionary, and political thinker whose legacy continues to shape intellectual and cultural discourse across South Asia.
Iqbal’s death in 1938, at the age of 60, closed the chapter on a life that transcended poetry and delved deep into the heart of philosophy, spirituality, and political thought. Yet, even in death, Iqbal remains alive—in verses that stir the soul, in ideas that spark revolutions, and in a vision that still resonates with those seeking dignity, identity, and purpose.
A Poet for the East and the World
Born in Sialkot in undivided India, Iqbal studied in Lahore, Cambridge, and Munich, mastering both Eastern and Western philosophical traditions. He wrote poetry in Persian and Urdu, combining mystical Sufi insights with the critical rationalism of Western philosophy. His verse was not mere ornamentation—it was a call to spiritual awakening.
His poems, such as “Shikwa”, “Jawab-e-Shikwa”, “Lab Pe Aati Hai Dua”, and “Sare Jahan Se Achha”, remain etched in the collective consciousness of generations. While his “Shikwa” audaciously questioned the Divine, “Jawab-e-Shikwa” beautifully reconciled it, showcasing the depth and boldness of Iqbal’s spiritual inquiry.
Iqbal’s Vision of Khudi
At the heart of Iqbal’s philosophy is Khudi—a concept often misunderstood as ego but better interpreted as the self’s divine potential and moral strength. For Iqbal, the human being was not merely a passive recipient of fate but an active co-creator with the Divine—a being destined to rise, to think, to lead, and to uplift.
In an era of colonial subjugation and cultural disintegration, Iqbal’s call was a resounding reminder of inner strength and spiritual resilience.
“Khudi ko kar buland itna ke har taqdeer se pehle
Khuda bande se khud poochhe, bata teri raza kya hai.”
The Political Thinker: Dreaming of a Rebirth
While Iqbal is celebrated as a poet, his political foresight was equally remarkable. In his presidential address at the All-India Muslim League session in 1930, Iqbal envisioned an independent homeland for Muslims in northwestern India—a vision that later materialized in the form of Pakistan. Though he passed away nine years before its creation, Iqbal is revered as its spiritual father.
However, his vision was not narrow communalism—Iqbal sought a society based on justice, ethics, and spiritual revival. He challenged both Western materialism and Eastern stagnation, urging a new synthesis rooted in Islamic principles and universal human values.
Beyond Borders: Iqbal’s Global Relevance
Today, Iqbal is remembered not just in Pakistan, where he is a national poet, but across India, Iran, Afghanistan, and parts of the Middle East. Allama Iqbal’s legacy bridges civilizations—uniting Persian lyricism, Islamic spirituality, and Western philosophical inquiry.
In universities from Tehran to Delhi, his philosophical contributions are studied with reverence. His work continues to inspire academics, reformers, poets, and spiritual seekers.
Iqbal in Today’s World
On his death anniversary, one must ask: what would Iqbal say to a world gripped by identity crises, consumerism, and spiritual fatigue? Likely, he would offer the same counsel he gave to his own age—rekindle the fire within, reclaim your moral compass, and strive for a just and awakened society.
“Utho meri duniya ke ghareebon ko jaga do,
Kaakh-e-umara ke dar-o-deewar hila do.”
(Rise and awaken the poor of my world, shake the foundations of the palaces of the rich!)
Sir Mohammad Iqbal’s life and work remain a towering example of how poetry can become prophecy, and how thought can be action. As we remember him today, let us not only recite his verses but also reflect on the ethics, courage, and vision that defined his journey.
In remembering Iqbal, we are called not just to mourn a death, but to revive a mission—one of intellectual awakening, self-discovery, and unyielding commitment to truth | Team Kashmir Pen
