Who was Muhammad Iqbal and his role in creating Pakistan?

Why he is in News recently:

The academic council of Delhi University has recently approved a proposal to eliminate references to Urdu scholar Muhammad Iqbal from the undergraduate syllabus of Political Science. The decision was announced by Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh, who chaired the meeting, stating that individuals who played a role in the division of India should not be included in the syllabus. He further emphasized the importance of focusing on teachings related to Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar.

It is noteworthy that this development reflects the university's specific decision and perspective on the matter. Different institutions may have varying approaches to curriculum design and the inclusion or exclusion of specific figures. However, it is essential to recognize the historical significance and contributions of individuals within their respective contexts, including Muhammad Iqbal, who was a prominent Urdu scholar and played a role in shaping the intellectual discourse of his time.

Who was Muhammad Iqbal?

Allama Iqbal's eminent renown in India is primarily derived from his remarkable composition, 'Saare jahan se achcha,' which resonates profoundly with the nation. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the genesis of the profound two-nation theory can be traced back to the resounding impact of his seminal 1930 speech.

Muhammad Iqbal, an esteemed intellectual also known as Allama Iqbal, remains indelibly etched in the collective memory of India for his profound contribution as the creator of one of the most evocative and patriotic compositions ever penned, 'Saare jahan se achha Hindostan humara.' However, in the contiguous nation of Pakistan, Iqbal's eminence transcends that realm, for he is venerated as the spiritual progenitor of the nation called Pakistan. This distinction stems from the seminal role played by his influential speech, which served as the bedrock for the formulation of the momentous two-nation theory.

In 1904, Allama Iqbal composed the illustrious piece titled 'Tarana-e-Hind,' better known as 'Saare jahan se achcha.' This resounding anthem swiftly reverberated across the nation, assuming the role of a powerful voice of dissent against the oppressive British Raj.

However, as time unfolded, Iqbal's philosophical orientation underwent a significant transformation, shifting from a secular and Hindustan-centric outlook to one that placed religion at its core. In 1910, he penned the 'Tarana-e-Milli' (Song of the community), crafted with the same rhythmic cadence and melodic structure as 'Saare jahan se achcha.' The poem commenced with these poignant lines:

"Cheen-o-Arab humara, Hindostan humara

Muslim hain hum, watan hai saara jahaan humara."

By the time he delivered the historic Allahabad address in 1930, assuming the esteemed position of the President of the Muslim League, Iqbal harbored a prevailing apprehension, shared by many Muslims of his time. This apprehension stemmed from the concern that the Hindu-majority population in India might overpower and subsume the rich Muslim heritage, culture, and political influence that existed within the subcontinent.

Iqbal's idea about nationhood:

Allama Iqbal, a luminary of extraordinary stature, emerged as the preeminent philosopher and poet of his time. Beyond his profound literary contributions, he possessed a keen insight into the realm of political affairs. Through his poetic expressions, he deftly kindled the dormant sense of Muslim Nationhood within the hearts of Indian Muslims, while also unravelling the subtle yet pervasive propaganda propagated by the West against the Muslim community.

When Hindu philosophers put forth the notion that a nation could be formed encompassing the entire land, and Maulana Hussain Ahmed Madni expressed his agreement with this viewpoint, Iqbal reacted with fervor and resoluteness. His intellectual acumen and poetic eloquence were imbued with the essence of the Two Nation Theory, as he strove to awaken a profound sense of Islamic identity among the Muslims of India. This heightened consciousness of a unified Muslim entity played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for the eventual creation of Pakistan, serving as a cornerstone in the birth of a sovereign nation.

Allama Iqbal ventured into the realm of politics with his inaugural foray as a member of Punjab's Legislative Assembly in 1926. However, it was during the transformative elections of 1937, when Quaid-e-Azam (the Great Leader) initiated the revitalization of the Muslim League, that Allama Iqbal stood resolutely by his side. In a display of unwavering commitment, Iqbal not only offered wholehearted support to Quaid-e-Azam and the Muslim League, but he also held a deep reverence for Quaid-e-Azam's perspectives and vision. Their alliance formed a powerful bond, harmonizing their shared objectives in pursuit of a united Muslim front.

Iqbal and Two-Nation Theory:

Allama Iqbal harbored an unwavering belief in the distinct identity of the Muslim community in India and deemed it imperative to safeguard this identity. He firmly advocated for the establishment of a separate homeland for Indian Muslims as a means of preserving their unique cultural and religious heritage. This conviction was evident on the 28th of March, 1909, when he declined an invitation from the secular party "Minswa Lodge." In his response, Iqbal emphasized, "I have been a staunch proponent of the notion that religious differences in this country should cease, and I continue to adhere to this principle. However, I have come to realize that a separate national identity for Muslims and Hindus is necessary for their survival."

In the pivotal Annual Session of the Muslim League held in Allahabad in 1930, Allama Iqbal delivered a momentous address that would shape the political trajectory of the Muslim community in the Indian subcontinent. In this address, he astutely observed, "India is a continent comprising diverse human groups belonging to different races, speaking varied languages, and professing distinct religions. Their actions are not influenced by a shared racial consciousness. Therefore, I demand the formation of a consolidated Muslim state in the best interest of India and Islam."

Iqbal's sketch for Pakistan was unveiled during this address. He explicitly expressed his desire to see the unification of Punjab, the North-West Frontier Province, Sindh, and Balochistan into a singular state. He further articulated, "The formation of a consolidated North-West Indian Muslim State appears to be the ultimate destiny of the Muslims, particularly those residing in the north-west of India."

Through his influential words, Allama Iqbal unequivocally advocated for the establishment of a sovereign and independent Muslim state. It is noteworthy that Iqbal voiced this demand even before the official resolution put forth by the Muslim League, which eventually led to the creation of Pakistan. Thus, the idea of the two-nation theory can be traced to his speech.

The Ideology of Pakistan and Iqbal:

Iqbal held a staunch opposition to the concept of nationalism, as he perceived all Muslims to be integral members of a unified Ummah (global Muslim community). In his perspective, Muslims across the globe shared a deep bond of brotherhood, transcending geographical boundaries. He viewed nationalism as a confining construct that could potentially undermine the larger collective identity of the Muslim Ummah. To him, nationalism was akin to a coffin, imposing limitations and posing disadvantages for the broader Muslim community.

In light of the limitations and drawbacks associated with nationalism, Iqbal presented the philosophy of "Millat-e-Islamia" (the Islamic community) as an alternative. This ideology underscored the importance of unity among Muslims and became the foundational basis of Pakistan's ideology. Iqbal's vision emphasized the primacy of Islamic identity and the need for Muslims to unite based on shared religious values and principles, rather than being fragmented by narrow nationalist boundaries. By embracing the concept of Millat-e-Islamia, Iqbal sought to foster a sense of solidarity and cohesion among Muslims, transcending divisive nationalistic tendencies.

Conclusion:

Iqbal died after an illness in Lahore on 21 April 1938. His tomb is located near the Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort.

Upon the formation of Pakistan, he was honoured as its national poet, as well as earning the titles ‘Mufakkir-e-Pakistan’ (thinker of Pakistan), Hakeem-ul-Ummat (sage of the Ummah), and Shayar-e-Mashriq (poet of the east).

Source: ThePrint, NoP