Iqbal’s message

Published November 9, 2024

AS the nation is celebrating Iqbal Day today (Nov 9), it is appropriate to remember Allama Iqbal’s message for the youth, which, in a nutshell, is about the capacity of the powerful to create the environment, and the helplessness of the feeble to adjust to it. He wanted Muslim youth to be powerful physically, intellectually and spiritually.

Using the eagle as a metaphor for dignity, pride and resilience in his poetry. Iqbal urged teachers and scholars to groom the young in a manner that may put them on the path of self-actualisation. On the one hand, Iqbal acted as a catalyst for intellectual activity in young Muslims, while, on the other, he introduced them to the need of spiritual preparation. Science has proved that tiny subatomic particles can generate enough energy to destroy the whole world, and, likewise, human soul is a tremendous reservoir of energy that can change one’s fortune in the physical world.

Today, as we celebrate Iqbal Day, the young in Pakistan are searching for spiritual vigour and intellectual guidance. Thoughts of Iqbal, reflected in his verse and prose, can fulfil this task of guiding our youth. There is a need of extensive and intensive work on the message of Iqbal to further introduce him to the Western world.

Farrukh Shahab
Lahore

Published in Dawn, November 9th, 2024

Opinion

Editorial

System failure
Updated 12 Nov, 2024

System failure

Relevant institutions often treat right to internet connectivity with the same disdain as they do civil and political rights.
Narrowing the gap
12 Nov, 2024

Narrowing the gap

PERHAPS a pat on the back is in order for the ECP. Together with Nadra, it has made visible efforts to reduce...
Back on their feet
12 Nov, 2024

Back on their feet

A STIRRING comeback in the series has ended Pakistan’s 22-year wait for victory against world champions Australia....
Time to deliver
Updated 11 Nov, 2024

Time to deliver

Pakistan must display a serious commitment to climate change adaptation and mitigation at home.
Smaller government
11 Nov, 2024

Smaller government

THE IMF bailout programme has put the government under pressure to curtail its spending, especially current...
Unsafe inheritance
11 Nov, 2024

Unsafe inheritance

DESPITE regulations, the troubling practice of robbing women of their rightful inheritance — the culprits are ...