*Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal (RA) – Thinker of Islam and Poet of the East* Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal (RA) is that shining star in the history of the subcontinent who, through his poetry and thought, not only instilled the spirit of self-respect and awakening in Muslims but also envisioned an independent Islamic state.

*Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal (RA) – Thinker of Islam and Poet of the East*

Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal (RA) is that shining star in the history of the subcontinent who, through his poetry and thought, not only instilled a spirit of selfhood and awakening in Muslims but also presented the concept of an independent Islamic state. He was born on November 9, 1877, in Sialkot. His respected father, Sheikh Noor Muhammad, was a very pious and religious man.

He received his early education in Sialkot. He obtained an MA in Philosophy from Government College Lahore. Later, he went to England and Germany for higher education. He obtained a doctorate in philosophy from Cambridge University and Munich University. This is why he is called "Dr. Muhammad Iqbal (RA)."

Allama Iqbal (RA) was not only a great poet but also a philosopher, thinker, and reformer of the nation. The basic theme of his poetry is selfhood, faith, action, and the awakening of the Muslim Ummah.
His famous works include Bang-e-Dara, Bal-e-Jibril, Zarb-e-Kaleem, and Armaghan-e-Hijaz. His Persian works, Asrar-e-Khudi, Rumuz-e-Bekhudi, and Javid Nama, are world-renowned.

Allama Iqbal (RA) showed deep insight into the political future of Muslims. In 1930, at the Muslim League meeting in Allahabad, he presented the concept of a separate Muslim state, which later became the foundation of Pakistan.
This concept of his instilled a new spirit in the Muslims of the subcontinent, and this dream was realized in the form of the establishment of Pakistan in 1947.

Iqbal's (RA) message was actually derived from the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. He awakened the Muslims from the sleep of slavery and emphasized selfhood, freedom, and action. His famous poem still warms every heart:

*Khudi ko kar buland itna ke har taqdeer se pehle*
*Khuda bande se khud pooche, bata teri raza kya hai*


Allama Iqbal (RA) passed away on April 21, 1938, in Lahore. His mausoleum is located next to the Badshahi Mosque. His death was a great loss for the Muslims of the subcontinent, but his thoughts are still alive and a source of guidance.

Allama Iqbal (RA) was not just a poet but a thinker of the nation. His birthday reminds us that we must become a strong, self-respecting, and faith-filled nation by acting on his thoughts.

Allama Iqbal's (RA) life, thought, and poetry are a beacon for the Muslim Ummah. He taught Muslims the lesson of selfhood, faith, and action and reminded us that nations are built not only by claims but by character and hard work.
It is the duty of today's youth to understand Iqbal's (RA) message, recognize their selfhood, and strive practically for the rise of the Ummah. Iqbal's (RA) message will always live on because he was a poet who awakened hearts.

*From the pen of: Raziq Hussain, Aurangabad.*
Mobile number 8149588808