Pakistani Literature in English

Submitted to: Sir Sajjad

The Poetry of
Iqbal
 About Iqbal
 Allama Muhammad Iqbal (1877–1938) was a renowned
philosopher, poet, and politician.
 Widely known as Mufakkir-e-Pakistan (The Thinker of Pakistan)
and Shair-e-Mashriq (Poet of the East).
 Wrote powerful poetry in both Urdu and Persian, blending
philosophy, spirituality, and activism.
 His ideas and vision inspired the Pakistan Movement and laid the
intellectual foundation for the new nation.
 Introduction
 Introduces the poetic work of Allama Iqbal, a renowned
philosopher, poet, and visionary.
 Highlights how his poetry awakened the Muslim world
spiritually and politically.
 Emphasizes his role in inspiring the idea of a separate Muslim
nation (Pakistan).
 Sets the stage to explore his themes, influence, and lasting
legacy.
 Themes in Iqbal’s
1 Poetry
Khudi (Selfhood):

2
encouraging
Central idea
individuals
to realize their inner
Revival of Muslim Identity:
Called for rediscovery of Islamic
strength and potential. values and pride in cultural heritage.
Spiritual Awakening Anti-Colonialism
Urged people to  Means Iqbal was against
3 rise above materialism 4 foreign powers
(especially the British)
and connect with their
spiritual purpose. ruling over Muslim lands.
 He believed their rule
Islamism weakened local cultures,
Iqbal believed that unity
5 and brotherhood among
economies, and spiritual
life.
Muslims worldwide would
help them regain strength,
dignity, and independence.
 Khudi (Selfhood)
 Khudi is the central idea in Iqbal’s poetry, meaning selfhood or self-
realization.
 Encourages individuals to discover their inner strength and reach their
full potential.
 Emphasizes self-respect, courage, and independence as the path to
greatness.
Quote:
Raise yourself so high that before every destiny, God Himself
asks you: What is your desire?)
 Iqbal’s Persian Poetry
 Persian poetry allowed Iqbal to reach a wider intellectual
audience across the Muslim world.
 These works are rich in Sufi thought, philosophy, and spiritual
awakening.
Collection:
■ Asrar-e-Khudi (1915), written in Persian.
■ Rumuz-e-Bekhudi
■ Payam-e-Mashriq.
 Iqbal’s Urdu Poetry and
Notable Poems (Urdu)
Bang-e-Dra, Bal-e- Lab Pe Aati Hai
01 Jibril, Zarb-e- 01 Dua
Kalim
Loser to common
02 people 02 Tulu-e-Islam

Powerful imagery
03 and call to 03 Shikwa and Jawab-
action e-Shikwa
 Iqbal’s Urdu Poetry
 Major Urdu collections: Bang-e-Dra, Bal-e-Jibril, and Zarb-e-
Kalim.
 Written in a style that was accessible and inspiring to the
common people.
 Used vivid imagery, metaphors, and symbolism to stir emotions
and thought.
 His Urdu poetry carried a strong call to action, urging Muslims
to awaken and rise
 Shikwa and Jawab-e-Shikwa
 A poetic conversation where Muslims express their grievances about their suffering.
 Shikwa (Complaint) details the struggles and disillusionment of Muslims, while Jawab-e-Shikwa
(Response) offers God's philosophical and spiritual answers.
 The poems are emotional, questioning divine justice, yet also inspiring a call for self-
improvement and renewal.
 These works showcase Iqbal's deep connection with spirituality and his willingness to confront
the complexities of faith.
Quote
Your forefathers were indeed great, but what about you?
You sit idle, waiting for a better tomorrow.)
 Vision for Muslim Unity
Advocated for Ijtihad:
 Iqbal promoted the concept of independent reasoning in Islamic
law to adapt to modern challenges.
Muslim Brotherhood & Pan-Islamism:
 He envisioned a united Muslim world, transcending national
borders, to achieve collective strength.
Inspired Leaders:
 His vision deeply influenced key figures such as Muhammad Ali
Jinnah, who led the movement for Pakistan.
 Influence on Pakistan Movement
Poet of the East: Iqbal is considered the ideological father of Pakistan,
shaping its intellectual foundation.
 His Lahore Resolution (1940) was inspired by his ideas on Muslim
autonomy and independence.
Famous Allahabad Address (1930):
 In this speech, Iqbal outlined his vision for an independent Muslim state,
which later led to the creation of Pakistan.
 His poetry and thought helped ignite the aspirations for a separate nation.
 Legacy
 Iqbal’s poetry continues to be celebrated in Pakistan and across the Muslim world.
 His ideas on self-realization, spiritual awakening, and unity remain relevant today.
 Iqbal Day is observed every year on November 9th in honor of his contributions.
 His influence shaped modern Islamic thought, inspiring generations of thinkers,
leaders, and activists.
Quote:
"Nations are born in the hearts of poets, they prosper and die in the hands of
politicians."
 Conclusion
 Iqbal’s poetry beautifully combines philosophy, faith, and a call to action.
 He urged individuals and nations to awaken their inner strength and take
control of their destiny.
 His message remains relevant and inspiring in today’s world of spiritual
and moral challenges.
 “Words that move nations, not just minds.”
Quote :
"There are worlds beyond the stars,
There are still more tests of love to come."
Thank
You