Allama Iqbal is one of the most significant poets and thinkers of South Asia.
He was born on 9th November 1877 in Sialkot, Punjab. He was a great poet, philosopher, and politician as well.
He received his early education from his hometown and later moved to Lahore for higher studies. He was awarded a Bachelor’s degree from the Government College Lahore in English, History and Perso-Arabic by the University of Punjab.
Later, he went to Europe to complete his Masters degree in philosophy and extremely impressed his teacher at Cambridge, George Napier, with his intelligence and dedicated hard work.
Iqbal is primarily famous for being an ideological founder of a separate Muslim state in South Asia; the state of Pakistan which later got its independence in 1947.
His distinguished poetic works are known to address the freedom of people, their values, and spiritual journey of the subcontinental nations.
He also had great concern for the Muslim community in India and wrote extensively to express his feelings.
His verses are included in the syllabus of religious and philosophical courses not only in India but also in Pakistan.
He also wrote several books on philosophy and religion; his book ‘The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam’ was widely accepted and was included in the syllabus of several universities as well.
Allama Iqbal was a man of multifaceted personality; he is praised and admired both in India and Pakistan.
His works are inspirational and still inspire the Muslims to work for their progress, unity and freedom. His poetic works have both current and traditional values, which adds a unique charm to them.
He died on 21st April 1938 leaving a great legacy through his thought-provoking poetry.