Allama Iqbal. PHOTO: CREATIVE COOMONS
KARACHI: Poet, philosopher and visionary Sir Muhammad Iqbal, commonly known as Allama Iqbal, is widely believed to have conceived the idea of Pakistan. He was born on November 9, 1877.
On honour him on his birth anniversary, we bring you a few of his famous verses taken from his poetry.
Through his poems, Allama Iqbal urged people to understand their value and be acquainted with their ‘self’:
Ashna Apni Haqiqat Se Ho Ae Dehqan Zara
Dana Tu, Khaiti Bhi Tu, Baran Bhi Tu, Hasil Bhi Tu
Aah, Kis Ki Justujoo Aawara Rakhti Hai Tujhe
Rah Tu, Rahru Bhi Tu, Rahbar Bhi Tu, Manzil Bhi Tu
(Become somewhat acquainted with your own reality O man!
The grain, the cultivation, the rain, as well as the produce you are
Ah! Whose search keeps you aimlessly wandering
The path, the traveler, the guide, as well as the destination you are)
His poems were often politics:
Ghulami Men Na Kaam Aati Hain Shamshirain Na Tadbirain
Jo Ho Zauq-e-Yaqeen Paida Tu Kat Jaati Hayn Zanjeerain
(Swords and tactics are useless when one is enslaved
For only passion of belief can cut the chains of slavery)
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A believer of the idea that man is created for the constant struggle to be perfect, Iqbal wrote verses about the pursuit of happiness:
Sitaroun Se Agay Jahan Aur Bhi Hayn
Abhi Ishq Kay Imtehan Aur Bhi Hayn
(There are more worlds beyond these stars
There are more battles of love to be fought)
Iqbal always implored his audience that man is the best of all creations in the world:
Urooj-e-Adam-e-Khaki Se Anjum Sahme Jatay Hayn
Kay Ye Tota Hua Taraa Mah-e-Kamil Na Ban Jaye
(The stars are scared of the pinnacle man can reach
For he, the broken star, can transform into a full moon)
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The great poet’s philosophy revolved around challenging rulers and fighting for due rights:
Jis Khait Se Dehqan Ko Mayyasar Nahi Rozi
Us Khait Kay Har Khoosa-e-Gandum Ko Jala Do
(A field that cannot give man his livelihood
Burn every sheaf of wheat of that field)
