KARACHI, Nov 9: Jamiluddin Aali, noted poet and writer, on Friday stressed that more research was needed on the life and works of Allama Mohammad Iqbal whose philosophy has not yet received due academic attention.

In his keynote address at a seminar to mark the 130th birthday anniversary of Allama Iqbal, Mr Aali said Iqbal was the greatest poet and philosopher of his era and such seminars should be arranged to make the new generation aware about his poetry and ideas.

Arranged by the Daira Adab-o-Saqafat (International) in collaboration with the Dhaka Group of Institutions, the seminar was held at the Federal University of Arts, Science and Technology.

Prof Abdul Shakir, an Iqbal scholar, said the great philosopher conveyed his message in five languages. He said writings of Iqbal were like a beacon of light for the Muslims. He said it was not limited to a particular group, nation or region. His philosophy of Khudi (self) was a revolutionary ideology, he added.

Dr Jaffar Ahmed said Iqbal supported Islamic ruling system, but strongly opposed theocracy. He laid stress on adopting the way of Ijtehad (mutual agreement) while rejecting the western way of democracy though the reflection of western thought and culture could be seen in his works, Dr Ahmed added.—PPI