ALLAMA Muhammad Iqbal, whose birth anniversary falls today, was a philosopher extraordinaire and the greatest Urdu poet of the 20th century. He is also known as the Poet of the East for his remarkable contribution to poetry that gave Muslims of the subcontinent a new spirit.

When they felt weak and dejected after the collapse of the Khilafat movement and were being discriminated against by both the British and the Hindus, Iqbal, through his poetry, inspired them to believe in themselves and develop self-respect. His contribution towards the creation of Pakistan is immense. It was Iqbal’s encouragement that the Muslim leaders and masses supported the Quaid-i-Azam wholeheartedly to seek an identity and a separate homeland.

He strongly believed that Muslims needed a homeland of their own where they could live in peace. He was the first to come up with the thought in 1930.

Iqbal is respected worldwide as a Muslim thinker of modern times. We owe him a great deal of gratitude as he inspired the Muslims of India through his poetry.

People, especially the Pakistani youth, must read and understand Iqbal’s poetry and philosophy to understand and benefit from a great soul.

Hammal Naseer
Turbat

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EVERY year Nov 9 is observed as Iqbal Day to mark the birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, one of the greatest leaders, thinkers and philosophers of the subcontinent. Iqbal was a true visionary by any yardstick. The nation should never forget his valuable contribution to the creation of Pakistan.

It should be the responsibility of our educational institutions to keep the spirit alive and celebrate this national day by paying tribute to the great leader.

Imran A. Sattar
Balnigwar

Published in Dawn, November 9th, 2020