From Khudi to nationhood: Dr Iqbal’s philosophy for every age

PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Apr, 2026) In an era marked by rapid global changes in education, politics, economy, and society, the enduring vision of great thinkers continues to guide nations striving for freedom, socioeconomic empowerment and prosperity.

Among such luminaries, Allama Dr. Muhammad Iqbal stands tall, whose philosophical depth and poetic brilliance remained a source of inspiration for generations across the world. Like other parts of the country, rich tributes were paid to the Poet of the East across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on his death anniversary, observed annually on April 21 with great admiration and was laid to rest at Lahore Pakistan.

The day commemorated his passing in 1938 and honors his visionary role in shaping the ideological foundation of Pakistan. Various political, educational, and literary organizations in Peshawar organized events and seminars to pay homage to the great poet philosopher of the 20th century, who envisioned a separate homeland for Muslims of the Subcontinent during his historic Allahabad address in 1930.

Born on November 9, 1877, in Sialkot Pakistan, Dr Allama Iqbal emerged as a distinguished philosopher, poet, and visionary leader at a time when Muslims were subjected to brutalities following unsuccessful uprising in 1857 and he along with great educationist Sir Syed Ahmad Khan had tirelessly worked for their political and education empowerment.

Revered globally, Dr Iqbal’s poetry and literary works are studied in Iqbaliyat departments across universities in Pakistan, Asia, Europe, and North America, reflecting his universal appeal. “Dr Iqbal’s poetry transcended borders, making him a highly respected figure from Asia to the middle East and beyond,” said Prof. Dr. Naushad Khan, former Vice Chancellor of Islamia College Peshawar. He added that Dr Iqbal’s work had played a vital role in awakening Muslim consciousness during British rule in India and setting clear direction for the creation of Pakistan.

“Certainly, it was Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal who further advanced the education and intellectual movement initiated by the great educationist Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, while Dr Iqbal’s vision later materialized through the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, culminating in the form of creation of Pakistan on August 14, 1947,” he reiterated.

The great poet philosopher proposed the establishment of an independent Muslim state in the northwestern regions i.e. Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and the North-West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) during his Allabad address delivered by him in 1930. He warned that without autonomy, Muslims would be politically subjugated, culturally diluted, and religiously suppressed under a Hindu-majority setup.

“Dr Iqbal wasn’t just speaking politically,” Dr. Naushad emphasized. “He was arguing for the preservation of Islamic civilization, values, and identity in the subcontinent that was ruled by Muslims for nearly 800 years.”

“ The seeds sown at Allahabad in 1930 began to take political shape in 1930 and grew after the Pakistan resolution was passed on March 23, 1940. Though Dr Iqbal passed away in 1938, his vision was carried forward by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who transformed the All-India Muslim League into a dynamic political force with few years.

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In 1940, a decade after Iqbal’s speech, the Muslim League passed the historic Pakistan Resolution at Iqbal Park at Lahore clearly demanding independent states for Muslims in regions where they were in majority. The resolution echoed Iqbal’s earlier call and solidified the League’s stance.

“From that point onward, the demand for Pakistan was not just an idea but it was a political movement,” said Dr. Naushad. The term “Pakistan” itself had been coined earlier in 1933 by Chaudhry Rehmat Ali in Cambridge, giving a name to Iqbal’s ideological vision.

The Muslim League, under the great Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s resolute leadership, expanded its reach, gained mass support across the subcontinent including Khyber Pakthunkhwa where the father of the nation visited three times to its historic Islamia College Peshawar to acknowledge role of its students during Pakistan Movement. The people of KP decorated their houses, markets, bazaars and vehicles with Pakistan flags and accorded historic welcomed to Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Through powerful symbolism in his poetry such as Shaheen (eagle), Khudi (selfhood), and the spiritual bond between humanity and the divine, Dr Iqbal emphasized self-realization, empowerment, and moral strength. His renowned work Asrar-e-Khudi highlighted the importance of discovering inner potential and living with purpose to achieve set goals in life.

Scholars pointed out that the concept of Shaheen embodies key qualities including foresight, fearlessness, independence, contemplation, and resilience values that resonate strongly with today’s youth.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Younas Khan, former Chairman of Pakistan Studies at University of Peshawar, said that Dr Iqbal’s philosophy extends beyond politics into a deeply humanistic framework that promotes peace, harmony, and social reform.

“One of the core principles of Iqbal’s thought is that individual transformation leads to societal change,” he explained, referencing Ramooz-e-Bekhudi, where Iqbal underscored the interdependence of individuals and nations for mutual coexistence and economic prosperity.

Another academic, Prof. Dr. Zahid Anwar, described Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal as a great political thinker and poet for people of all eras, whose ideas of justice, equality, and unity transcend geographical boundaries.

He said that Dr Iqbal’s philosophy remained relevant in addressing contemporary global challenges. Dr Iqbal’s concept of Khudi played a pivotal role in inspiring Muslims of the subcontinent to strive for freedom and ultimately achieve independence after creation of Pakistan on August 14, 1947 seven years following adaptation of Pakistan Resolution of March 23, 1940.

Experts emphasized that Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s teachings was centered on unity, faith, discipline, and self-reliance and is remain highly relevant today. His philosophy encourages youth to pursue knowledge, embrace challenges, and contribute positively to society.

As Pakistan continues to navigate modern challenges, scholars believed that adherence to Dr Iqbal’s ideals, particularly his concept of Khudi, can serve as a guiding force for national development and prosperity of the country.

APP/fam