Ideologue Allama Iqbal left behind futuristic legacy for young generations

Speakers on Tuesday said Allama Iqbal call for khudi (selfhood), vigilance and purposeful struggle is a message for Muslim Ummah to be followed beyond distinctions of race, colour and language

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Apr, 2026) Speakers on Tuesday said Allama Iqbal call for khudi (selfhood), vigilance and purposeful struggle is a message for Muslim Ummah to be followed beyond distinctions of race, colour and language.

They shared these remarks at 88th death anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal observed in the country. Various seminars were held to pay rich tributes to the Poet-Philosopher of the East and one of the key figures behind the ideology of Pakistan, which led to the creation of a democratic, progressive, and sovereign state 79 years ago.

Allama Muhammad Iqbal, born in Sialkot on November 9, 1877, showed a deep inclination toward literature, poetry, and Islamic philosophy.

Owing to his strong religious background, particularly influenced by his father, Sheikh Noor Muhammad, Iqbal developed a keen interest in the Quran and Islamic philosophical thought, eventually emerging as a distinguished scholar of Islamic studies.

During his youth, Iqbal developed various ideas and concepts inspired by his surroundings and his travels to Europe, Spain, Afghanistan, and Germany. After returning to the subcontinent, he urged Muslims not to be overly impressed by Western lifestyles but instead to follow the teachings and example of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in both public and private life.

He introduced the concept of Khudi (selfhood), emphasizing self-realization and self-reliance among believers to awaken their inner potential and strengthen their connection with the Ultimate Reality, God.

Iqbal took a deep interest in spirituality and authored several notable works, including Asrar-e-Khudi, Rumuz-e-Bekhudi, and Bang-e-Dara. In his writings, he emphasized that a person’s character is more important than false pride in achieving success and reaching a just destination.

He consistently stressed in his philosophy of Khudi that active selfhood is essential for progress in society, highlighting that it is a continuous, dynamic process rather than a static condition.

He also wrote another masterpiece, The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam, based on lectures he delivered on Islamic revival during his academic journey in Munich.

Iqbal’s political vision reached a defining moment in 1930 when he presented his historic address at Allahabad, outlining a political framework for the Muslims of the subcontinent. This address became a precursor to the demand for a separate homeland and reflected his philosophical vision.

“I would like to see the Punjab, North-West Frontier Province, Sindh, and Baluchistan amalgamated into a single state…”

There is no doubt that Iqbal was a great political thinker and visionary ideologue. He is recognized worldwide as an influential poet and philosopher whose ideas inspired not only Muslims but also people of other backgrounds to better understand islam and its values. His firm and assertive stance contributed significantly to the eventual creation of a separate democratic and Islamic state for Muslims.

Iqbal was rightly called the “Poet of the East” and earned the title “Allama” due to his vast knowledge and profound insight into philosophy.

He was also a strong advocate of women’s rights and empowerment, believing them to be an integral part of society.

Iqbal’s concept of the Shaheen (eagle) continues to inspire youth across generations, instilling a spirit of ambition, resilience, and high purpose.

His emphasis on the principle of Amr bil Ma’ruf wa Nahi anil Munkar (enjoining good and forbidding evil) reflected his deep concern for a morally upright and active society.

Finally, Allama Iqbal gained immense popularity in countries such as Iran, Turkey, Indonesia, and across the Arab and Western worlds, particularly for his Persian poetry. His work Zabur-e-Ajam highlighted his philosophical engagement with Persian culture and Islamic thought, and his ideas even resonated during the Iranian Revolution.

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