The Life and Legacy of Allama Iqbal

Allama Iqbal was a renowned Muslim poet and philosopher of the 20th century. He is widely recognized as the national poet of Pakistan and is known for his inspiring poetry and thought-provoking philosophical works. He was also an active political figure and played a major role in the independence movement of Pakistan. This article will provide an overview of Allama Iqbal’s life, works, and legacy.

I. Introduction- Who is Allama Iqbal?

Allama Iqbal is widely recognized as the national poet of Pakistan. He was born in 1877 in Sialkot, Punjab, in British India and was the first child of Noor Muhammad and Imam Bibi. He was given the name Muhammad Iqbal, though he is commonly known as Allama Iqbal. He was a renowned poet and philosopher, and is credited with inspiring the Pakistan Movement. He was also a prolific writer and scholar, with his works being translated into many languages.

II. Allama Iqbal’s Early Life

Allama Iqbal was born into a family of Kashmiri descent, and was raised in an Islamic environment. He received his early education from the madrasas of his hometown, and went on to attend the Government College in Lahore, where he graduated with honors in philosophy in 1897. He then continued his studies in Europe, first in London at the University of Cambridge, and then at the University of Heidelberg in Germany, where he obtained his PhD in philosophy.

III. Allama Iqbal’s Education

At the University of Cambridge, Allama Iqbal studied philosophy, literature, and history. He also studied Arabic, Persian, and Urdu, and was exposed to the works of great poets like Hafiz, Saadi, and Rumi. He was greatly inspired by the thoughts of Western philosophers like Hegel, Nietzsche, and Schopenhauer, and was particularly influenced by the works of Sir Thomas Arnold. He was also influenced by the works of Muslim philosophers like Ibn Arabi, Al-Ghazali, and Ibn Sina.

IV. Allama Iqbal’s Career

Allama Iqbal returned to India in 1908 and began his career as a lecturer at the Government College in Lahore. He became a professor of philosophy in 1919 at the Oriental College in Lahore, where he worked until 1924. During this period, he wrote extensively on Islamic and philosophical topics, and his works were widely read and appreciated. His works were translated into English, German, Persian, and Turkish, and he was widely recognized as a great poet and philosopher.

V. Allama Iqbal’s Poetry

Allama Iqbal is most well-known for his poetry, which he wrote in both Urdu and Persian. He wrote poetry on a wide range of topics—from love and spiritual matters to social and political issues. His poetry is considered to be both beautiful and thought-provoking, and he is credited with inspiring the Pakistan Movement. His most famous poem is the Sare Jahan Se Achha Hindustan Hamara, which was written in praise of India and is still widely popular today.

VI. Allama Iqbal’s Philosophy

Allama Iqbal is also known for his philosophical works, which he wrote primarily in Urdu and Persian. He was greatly influenced by the works of Western philosophers, as well as Muslim philosophers like Ibn Arabi, Al-Ghazali, and Ibn Sina. His works are largely focused on the concept of ‘khudi’, which he defined as “self-realization”. He also wrote extensively on the topics of religion, politics, and economics, and his works have been translated into several languages.

VII. Allama Iqbal’s Political Activities

Allama Iqbal was also an active political figure in India, and he played an important role in the independence movement of Pakistan. He was a major proponent of the idea of a separate Muslim state and wrote many poems and essays on the subject. He was also a member of the All India Muslim League, and was a close friend and confidante of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.

VIII. Allama Iqbal’s Legacy

Allama Iqbal’s works and ideas have had a lasting impact on the people of Pakistan and the Muslim world. His poetry is widely read and appreciated, and his philosophical works have been translated into several languages. He is also credited with inspiring the independence movement of Pakistan, and his works are seen as a major contribution to the development of the nation.

IX. Allama Iqbal’s Major Works

Allama Iqbal wrote extensively on a wide range of topics—from love and spiritual matters to social and political issues. His major works include the Bang-e-Dara, Shikwa, The Secrets of the Self, The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam, and The Reconstruction of Social Thought in Islam. He also wrote a number of poems and essays on the topics of religion, politics, and economics.

X. Allama Iqbal’s Net Worth

Allama Iqbal’s net worth is estimated to be in the millions. Much of his wealth came from the royalties that he earned from his works, which are still widely read and appreciated today. He also had a number of investments which have appreciated over time, and he was known to be generous with his wealth, donating to charities and helping those in need.

XI. Conclusion- Summary of Allama Iqbal’s Achievements

Allama Iqbal was a renowned poet and philosopher who is widely recognized as the national poet of Pakistan. He is known for his inspiring poetry and thought-provoking philosophical works, and he played an important role in the independence movement of Pakistan. His works have had a lasting impact on the people of Pakistan and the Muslim world, and he is credited with inspiring the Pakistan Movement. He was also a prolific writer and a generous philanthropist, and his works are still widely read and appreciated today.