In connection with Iqbal Day on November 9, the Markazia Majlis-e-Iqbal (MMI) organised a function at the Aiwan-e-Iqbal to remember the great poet and philosopher.
Former foreign minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri, senior columnist Ataul Haq Qasmi, former Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Qazi Hussain Ahmed, MMI President Mian Afzal Hayat, Analyst Sajjad Mir, Turkish Scholar Sawat Arguan and Pakistan Today Editor Arif Nizami attended the event. Iqbal was remembered as a symbol of true Islamic modernism, hope and struggle and was undisputedly declared as a motivational leader of the youth during struggle for independence.
Kasuri said what made Iqbal stand out was his vision of a separate land for Muslims. He said that the poet’s vision reflected his wish of unification of Muslims of the sub-continent. The former foreign minister said that it was the idea of unification which later transformed into a separate nation. Kasuri said Iqbal was a man of modern Islamic views, adding that Iqbal had denounced ‘mullahism’ and stood with those who used religion as a token of popularity.
Qasmi, in his trademark column writing style, established that Iqbal was not only a man of current affairs but had showed unconditional love for God in his pieces. He said that Iqbal stood behind all progressive changes of his time and expressed reservations over hypocritical ‘mullahism’. The columnist said that Iqbal was a man who loved the creation of God, which was reflected eminently in his work.
Qazi highlighted the connection of Iqbal’s work with the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He said that Iqbal had signified Sunnat and that idealised the Prophet, which was obvious in his pieces. The former JI chief said that the poet was foresighted and demanded Islamic governance. While quoting Iqbal, he said that the Quran was the main source of knowledge not only for Muslims but for the entire universe. Qazi declared Iqbal as the poet of hope. He said that Iqbal had a special relation with the youth of all times, adding that Iqbal’s pieces helped the youth in depression and disappointment. The former JI chief said that Iqbal’s work had always been used to motivate people, especially the youth, to work harder to achieve their goals.
Zaheer Naqshbandi said that in this age of lawlessness and disappointment, Iqbal’s work could be used as a great motivational tool. He said the poet’s work could be easily divided into two major parts. Naqshbandi said Iqbal’s work reflected the Quran and Sunnah which he had molded together to insure progress of society. The Minhajul Quran leader said that Iqbal’s foresightedness, philosophical depths and knowledge of Islam was seen in his work. He said that the beauty of Iqbal’s work was the equilibrium he kept between Western and Eastern cultures. Naqshbandi said that Iqbal truly represented progressive Islam, as his vision and ideas had helped Muslims at all times.
Arguan, quoting Iqbal prolifically in Urdu, said that Iqbal’s work had guided Turks through their extensive struggle. He said that Iqbal’s work gained great popularity in the youth during the Turkish Independence Movement. The Turkish scholar said that the poet’s work was said to be next to Maulana Rumi in Turkey and he was known for his revolutionary work for progress of Muslims around the world.
Sajjad said that Iqbal worked on current affairs and had a special place for Muslim youth in his work. He said that Iqbal was eager to see progressive Muslim youth in the country. The analyst said that his work guided the youth in all matters equally, adding that Iqbal had always tried to pave new ways in upbringing of Muslims. He said that Iqbal was a revolutionist due to which he had a great belief in the power of the youth. Sajjad said that Iqbal’s work gave hope to youngsters of all times and his motivation could be seen from his timeless work.
