My Favourite Poet

A poet is born, not made.

Allama Iqbal is the greatest poet-philosopher of Asia.He is one of those eminent personalities who have changed the course of history with their tireless and selfless efforts. He was the father of ideology of Pakistan.He aroused the sleeping Muslims of India with the help of his inspiring poetry.His poetry infused a new spirit in the Muslims youth and set them to action.To a Pakistan, he is a great poet as Shakespeare to an Englishman.

Allama Iqbal was born at Sialkot on the 9th of november, 1877. His father Sheikh Noor Muhammad, was a great mystic. Iqbal inherited 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 Murrey college, Sialkot.He was greatly impressed by his teacher, Syed Mir Hassan, who taught him Arabic, Persian and Islamiat.Then he joined Government College Lahore for higher education.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 Government college, Lahore.

He proceeded to Europe for higher studies in 1905.He obtained the degree of Bar-at-Law from London and the degree of Ph.D 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.

On his return, he started his law pratice in Lahore High Court.But, he sson gave up this profession because his heart was not in it.His interest was in poetry, philosophy and religion.

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 loved the Muslims, because;

Through Love the dead rise to life

He made them conscious of their political,social and religious status. His poetry breathed a new spirit into the Muslims.He wanted to receive the glory past of the Muslims.

Love's madness has departed: in
The Muslims veins the blood runs thin;
Ranks broken,heart perplexed,prayers cold,
No feeling deeper than the skin,

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","Murd-e-Momin" and "Shaheen".His poetry infused the spirit of dignity and freedom in the muslims youth and made them realize their religios identity.

Faith is like Abraham at the stake: to be
Self-honoring and God-drunk, is faith

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 and beautiful similes. Many volumes of his poetry have been published."Bang-i-Dara","Bal-i-Jabril", "Zarb-i-Kalim","Javaid Nama" and 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 historical presidential address in the annual session of 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. Though the Muslims achieved Pakistan in 1947.Yet he did no live to see the new Muslim state.He died in 1938 and was buried in Lahore.He will remain alive in the hearts of the Muslims for ever.

"He dies........alas! how soon,
he dies."

Best Of Luck