Dr. Sir Muhammad Iqbal (1870 - 1938)
Dr. Sir Mohammad Iqbal was a famous Islamic Philosopher, a well-known politician and above all a poet of universal fame.
He was also an eminent scholar and a leading barrister.He was born in November, 1877 at Sialkot, Pakistan an industrial town famous for sports goods, surgical instruments and cutlery. He studied at Scotch Mission High School and then did his M. A. in philosophy from Government College Lahore, Pakistan.He was taught philosophy by a renowned British scholar, Professor Thomas Arnold whose deep knowledge and charming personality had a profound impact on Iqbal's mind and thinking.
He came to England in 1905 for higher education and got admission in Cambridge University.From there he proceeded to Germany and did Ph.D in philosophy from Munich University after submitting his philosophic thesis, "The Development of Metaphysics in Persia"
During his three-year stay in England and Germany he deeply studied the western culture and its social,literacy, historical and political aspects. He appreciated the supreme importance of the scientific advancement and the dynamic life of western nations. He was a great champion for the well-being of the down-trodden human beings. His poetry reflects in unshakeable belief in equality and unity of mankind.
He condemned Capitalism, Imperialism and even Communism in strongest possible terms. He wrote many books in prose and poetry. Most of them are either in Urdu or Persian language and a few are in English. But his major work is in poetry for which he is generally called "Poet of the East". The revolutionary and universal appeal of his poetry and the depth of his philosophical thought had a far-reaching effect on the minds of his readers.
In recognition of Doctor Mohammad Iqbal's literary services, the British government conferred upon him the title of knighhood.
He died at Lahore, Pakistan on 21 April, 1938 and the greatest thinker of Islam was burried adjacent to famous "Badshahi Mosque" built by the great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan of India, builder of immortal Taj Mahal in 16th century.
List of Iqbal‘s Works
English Books
- The Development of Metaphysics in Persia. His thesis for PhD in Philosophy from Munich University in 1907
- The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam 1930
- Stray Reflections 1910; published in 1961
Urdu work
- Ilm-ul-Iqtesaad Per Ek Nazar: An overview on Economics 1903 Poetical Works in Urdu
- Baang -e- Dara (The Sound of the Caravan Bell) His first book in Urdu poetry 1924
- Baal-e-Jibreel: The Wings of Jabriel 1935
- Zarb-e-Kaleem (The striking Rod of Mosses) 1936
- Armaghan-e-Hijaz ( The Gift of Hejaz ) 1938 Hijaz here means Makkah, Madina and surrounding region.
Poetry in Persian
- Asrar-e-Khudi (The Secret of the Self) 1915
- Rumooz-e-Bey Khudi (The Secrets of Selflessness) 1918
- Payam-e-Mashriq (The Message from the East)
- 1923 Zaboor-e-Ajam (The Psalms of Persia) 1927
- Javed Nama (Book of Eternity) 1932
- Pas Cheh Bayad Kard Aye Aqwam-e-Sharq? What should we do - Oh people of the East? 1936
