Dr. Iqbal’s vision: The journey from self-awakening to national glory remembered on his 149th birthday
PESHAWAR (APP): At a time when the world is undergoing profound transformations in education, politics, Information technology, economics and social structures, the philosophy of great thinkers continues to provide nations with intellectual direction, moral strength and a vision for a prosperous future.
Among these towering personalities, Dr. Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal occupies a distinguished position whose revolutionary ideas, philosophical depth and poetic brilliance awakened a sense of identity, dignity and self-realization among Muslims of the subcontinent and continue to inspire generations across the globe.
From his revolutionary concept of Khudi (selfhood) to his vision of an independent Muslim homeland, Dr. Iqbal’s intellectual legacy represents a remarkable journey from individual awakening to collective nationhood.
His message was not merely confined to poetry or political aspirations but offered a comprehensive philosophy of personal development, educational advancement, social justice, spiritual enlightenment and national empowerment.
Like other parts of the country, rich tributes are being paid to the Poet of the East across Pakistan including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on his 149 birthday anniversary to be observed tomorrow (Monday).
Govt of Pakistan has announced public holiday on November 9 and all public, private and educational institutions will be closed in the country.
Political, educational and literary organizations in Peshawar planned seminars, workshops, discussions, declamation contests and intellectual programmes to highlight his extraordinary services to Muslim political consciousness, literature and an ideological foundation of Pakistan.
Born on November 9, 1877 in Sialkot Punjab, Allama Iqbal emerged as one of the most influential Muslim intellectuals of the twentieth century for his revolutionary vision and demand for separate homeland for Muslims of subcontinent.
“Dr Iqbal philosophy created hope among muslims of subcontinent and reunited them to achieve Pakistan,” said Professor Dr Naushad Khan, former Vice Chancellor Islamia College Peshawar while talking to APP.
He said Iqbal has witnessed a period of political uncertainty and intellectual decline among Muslims following the War of Independence in 1857, when the Muslim community faced political marginalization, economic hardship and educational backwardness under the colonial rule.
Deeply concerned about the future of Muslims, Iqbal believed that education, political & intellectual awakening and moral reconstruction were essential for their revival.
His intellectual journey was influenced by the educational reform movement initiated by great Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, who had emphasized modern education and scientific learning as instruments of Muslim progress. Iqbal carried this spirit forward through his philosophical writings and poetry, encouraging Muslims to overcome intellectual stagnation, develop confidence and reclaim their place in the contemporary world.
Revered internationally, Iqbal’s poetry and philosophical writings are studied at universities and research institutions across Pakistan, Asia, Europe and North America. His works, including Asrar-e-Khudi, Rumuz-e-Bekhudi, Bang-e-Dra, Bal-e-Jibril and Zarb-e-Kalim, reflect his profound understanding of human nature, Islamic civilization, spirituality and the challenges confronting Muslim societies.
“Dr Iqbal’s poetry transcended geographical and cultural boundaries, making him a highly respected intellectual figure from South Asia to the Middle East and beyond,” said Prof. Dr. Naushad Khan.
He observed that Iqbal’s literary and philosophical contributions played a vital role in awakening Muslim consciousness during colonial rule and providing intellectual direction to their political struggle for a separate homeland.
“Certainly, Allama Muhammad Iqbal further advanced the educational and intellectual movement initiated by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, while his vision was subsequently translated into a political reality through the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, culminating in the creation of Pakistan on August 14, 1947,” he said.
Professor Dr AH Hilali of Political Science Department at University of Peshawar said that one of the most significant dimensions of Iqbal’s political philosophy was his realization that Muslims of the subcontinent needed political autonomy to preserve their religious, cultural and civilizational identity.
His historic presidential address at the annual session of the All-India Muslim League in Allahabad in 1930 had marked a defining moment in the political history of the subcontinent. He proposed the consolidation of Muslim-majority areas in northwestern India, including Punjab, Sindh, the North-West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and Balochistan, into a self-governing political unit.
Dr Hilali said Dr Iqbal’s proposal reflected a broader understanding that Muslims constituted a distinct community with their own historical traditions, religious values, cultural identity and political aspirations.
He believed that meaningful political autonomy was essential for their social, economic and intellectual development.
“Dr Iqbal was not merely presenting a political argument; he was advocating the preservation of Islamic civilization, values and identity in the subcontinent,” Dr Hilali observed.
He said Iqbal recognized that political freedom was closely connected with cultural confidence, educational advancement and the ability of a community to determine its own future.
The name Pakistan had been proposed earlier by Chaudhry Rehmat Ali in his 1933 pamphlet Now or Never, published in Cambridge. Meanwhile, Iqbal’s Allahabad address had provided an important intellectual and political foundation for the idea of Muslim autonomy in northwestern India.
Although Iqbal passed away on April 21, 1938, before seeing establishment of Pakistan, his political vision continued to influence the struggle for Muslim independence.
The historic Lahore Resolution, adopted by the All-India Muslim League on March 23, 1940, provided a decisive political direction to the demand for separate Muslim-majority states in the subcontinent.
The resolution, adopted at Minto Park in Lahore, now known as Iqbal Park, gave fresh momentum to the political movement that ultimately resulted in the creation of Pakistan seven years later.
“With the passage of the Lahore Resolution, the demand for a separate homeland gained a more organized political character and gradually transformed into a mass movement,” Dr Hilali said.
Under the resolute leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Muslim League transformed itself into a powerful political organization, mobilizing Muslims across the subcontinent around the demand for Pakistan.
Like other muslims provinces, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also played a significant role in the Pakistan Movement, particularly through the educational and political contributions of students and intellectuals associated with Islamia College Peshawar.
Founded in 1913, Islamia College became an important centre of Muslim educational and political awakening in the region. Its students actively participated in the Pakistan Movement, helping spread the message of Muslim political identity and the demand for an independent homeland.
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah visited Islamia College Peshawar three times, acknowledging the enthusiasm and contribution of its students to the Pakistan Movement. His visits strengthened the political connection between the leadership of the Muslim League and the people of the province.
The people of the region demonstrated their enthusiasm for the Pakistan Movement by decorating houses, markets, bazaars and vehicles with green-and-white flags and warmly welcoming the Father of the Nation during his visits.
The historical association of Islamia College with the Pakistan Movement remains an important reminder of the role played by educational institutions in shaping political consciousness and national identity.
Beyond his political vision, Iqbal’s most enduring contribution lies in his philosophy of Khudi, a concept that emphasizes self-awareness, dignity, inner strength, independence of thought and the development of human potential.
Through Asrar-e-Khudi, Iqbal presented selfhood as the foundation of individual transformation. He urged human beings to recognize their abilities, develop strong character, overcome fear and pursue meaningful objectives with determination.
For Iqbal, Khudi did not represent arrogance, selfishness or individual isolation. Rather, it meant developing a strong moral personality through knowledge, discipline, spiritual awareness and purposeful action. He believed that individuals possessing confidence, integrity and a clear sense of responsibility could contribute to the transformation of society.
His famous poetic philosophy encouraged people to rise above dependency, hopelessness and intellectual stagnation and become active participants in shaping their destiny.
The symbolic figure of Shaheen (eagle) occupies a central place in his poetry. Representing freedom, courage, ambition, independence and high aspirations, the Shaheen became an ideal model for young people who aspire to achieve excellence through hard work and self-confidence.
Iqbal associated the eagle with qualities such as fearlessness, foresight, resilience and independence. Through this symbolism, he encouraged youth to avoid complacency, develop intellectual curiosity and face challenges with courage.
His message remains particularly relevant for Pakistan’s younger generation, which faces challenges ranging from unemployment and educational inequalities to technological disruption, economic uncertainty and social polarization.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Younas Khan, former Chairman of Pakistan Studies at the University of Peshawar, said Iqbal’s philosophy extended far beyond political independence and offered a comprehensive framework for human development, social harmony and collective progress.
“One of the fundamental principles of Iqbal’s thought is that individual transformation leads to societal change,” he explained, referring to Rumuz-e-Bekhudi, in which Iqbal highlighted the relationship between individuals and the collective life of a nation.
He said Dr. Iqbal believed that a strong nation could only emerge when its individuals possessed moral character, a sense of responsibility, intellectual maturity and commitment to collective welfare.
According to him, Dr. Iqbal’s philosophy emphasized that individual freedom must be balanced with social responsibility, while national progress required unity, mutual respect, justice and a shared commitment to common objectives.
Through Rumuz-e-Bekhudi, Iqbal explored the significance of community, collective discipline and the moral foundations of national life. He maintained that individuals achieved their fullest potential when they contributed positively to society rather than pursuing personal interests in isolation.
His message also carried a strong emphasis on peaceful coexistence, political tolerance and respect for humanity. Although deeply rooted in Islamic spirituality, his philosophical writings addressed universal questions concerning human dignity, justice, freedom and the relationship between individuals and society.
The experts described Allama Iqbal as an exceptional political thinker, philosopher and poet whose intellectual contributions remained relevant to people of every age and society.
He said Iqbal’s ideas of justice, equality, unity, human dignity and intellectual freedom transcended geographical and cultural boundaries, offering valuable guidance for addressing contemporary global challenges.
According to him, Iqbal’s philosophy encouraged societies to build institutions based on justice, promote education, eliminate social inequalities and create opportunities for individuals to realize their potential.
He observed that Iqbal’s concept of Khudi had played a significant role in developing confidence and political awareness among Muslims of the subcontinent, encouraging them to challenge colonial subjugation and struggle for an independent future.
They said the true relevance of Iqbal’s philosophy could be understood by translating his teachings into practical action, particularly through educational reforms, character building, social justice and the promotion of national unity.
As Pakistan navigates complex economic, political, educational and security challenges, scholars believe that Iqbal’s philosophy offers an important intellectual framework for national reconstruction and sustainable development.
His emphasis on knowledge, research, creativity and independent thinking highlights the need to strengthen educational institutions and equip young people with modern skills. His concept of Khudi encourages individuals to develop confidence, professionalism and self-reliance, while his philosophy of collective responsibility underscores the importance of unity and national discipline.
At a time when misinformation, intolerance and social divisions increasingly challenge societies, Iqbal’s message of intellectual awakening, moral strength and constructive engagement carries renewed significance.
His vision also places education at the heart of national development. He believed that nations could not achieve lasting progress without nurturing enlightened minds capable of questioning, innovating and responding to changing circumstances.
For Pakistani youth, this philosophy translates into investing in quality education, promoting scientific and technological research, strengthening democratic and social institutions, encouraging entrepreneurship and ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens.
Experts emphasize that Iqbal’s teachings should not remain confined to academic discussions, annual birthday ceremonies or textbook chapters. Rather, his ideas need to be incorporated into the country’s educational, social and economic policies and reflected in everyday individual and institutional conduct.
They believe that the younger generation, in particular, can draw inspiration from his message of courage, self-confidence, intellectual curiosity and purposeful struggle to overcome contemporary challenges and contribute to national progress.
The experts said Allama Muhammad Iqbal continues to occupy a unique place in Pakistan’s intellectual, literary and national life. His poetry remains a source of inspiration, his philosophical writings continue to attract academic research, and his political vision remains closely associated with the ideological foundations of the country.
His journey from the philosophy of Khudi to the vision of Muslim nationhood demonstrates that the transformation of a nation begins with the intellectual and moral awakening of its people.
Iqbal envisioned individuals who were confident yet humble, spiritually enlightened yet intellectually progressive, independent in thought yet committed to collective welfare. He wanted Muslims to rediscover their intellectual heritage while actively engaging with the modern world.
His message was ultimately one of hope, action and self-realization: nations that believe in their abilities, invest in knowledge, uphold justice and remain united can overcome even the most formidable challenges.
As Pakistan reflects on the life and legacy of its national poet, the greatest tribute to Iqbal would be to transform his philosophy into a practical national commitment by building an educated, self-reliant, just and prosperous society capable of meeting the demands of the modern age.
