Poet

So long as the Muslims of Indo-Pak sub-continent services, Iqbal will remain enthroned in their hearts. Iqbal the poet, politician, philosopher, sage and sufi described himself, as: "In the eyes of those who know the secret of things Iqbal fulfilled a Prophet's mission, but he can not be called a Prophet". He was a real exponent of Muslim aspiration. Through his poetry he articulated the positive proposals to be pursed by the posterity. He admired the glorious past of the Muslims lamented for their passive and pessimistic present and defined the future course for regaining the socio-political and economic supremacy by following the teachings of 'Holy Quran' and Sunnah. He attributed the root cause of Muslim ills in the lack of true leadership. In his political philosophy, the Imam, the term may be applied for a supreme leader in the present circumstances must be a man of exceptional qualities who can extricate his people from the apprehensions of existing troubles.

He rudely rejected the guidance of those who are prepared to serve the rulers. For him the surrender of sovereignty was an evil act never to be tolerated.

However, he was alive to the incapability of ordinary clergies to understand the intricate national problems. He sarcastically observed.

The present political situation emerged after the general elections passing through a national crises which may endanger the nascent democracy. The major political parties unable to secure clear majority in the national assembly are engaged in the strenuous negotiations to from the government. This is by no means an extraordinary situation.

The people of Pakistan have witnessed the similar scene at many occasions. The political trends in our country, since its very creation specially the lack of positive thinking, perseverance and patriotism in our leaders.

Iqbal who was an expert of Muslim politics versified the similar existing situation in the following quatrain.

He was the only poet, scholar intellectual and sufi in the contemporary Muslim world who specialised in the religious and classical literature of India and simultaneously comprehended the literary and scientific achievements of the European nations. His critical study of existing cultures revitalised his faith in the virtues of Islamic institutions. He criticised the socio-religious norms of Western civilisation and warned the Eastern communities particularly the Muslims of India to desist from adopting the political ideas and ideals blindly in their socio-political life. His message is universal, his approach pragmatic while his poetry penetrates in the unforeseen world like a sufi who predicts the future events. His political assessment is still valid and may be applied to the prevailing situation.

Iqbal was an eminent exponent of Muslim nationalism in India. However, he was also alive to the geographical compulsions encountered by the Muslim community. In the beginning of his career he desired the development of a cosmopolitan society in India suitable to serve the masses and classes in the subcontinent. The Indian heritage was dear to him and he never renounced his Hindu pedigree related to the Brahmans of Kashmir, but he reconciled it beautifully with his Islamic identity. He introduced himself as one who hails from the soil of Kashmir but his heart belongs to Arabia and verses inspired by the poets of Shiraz.

In his early poetry Iqbal propagated the cause of Hindu Muslim unity. His famous "Indian Anthem"

became the national song recited from the Congress platform. The anthem is still popular in India and being recited by the students and others on the particular occasions in the socio-political and educational gatherings.