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Role of Allama Iqbal in the Creation of Pakistan

Prelude

Allama Muhammad Iqbal was born on 9th November 1877 in Sialkot. After seeking early education, he was admitted to the Government College, Lahore, where he obtained the degree of MA in the subject of philosophy. He left for England for higher studies in 1905. He obtained the degree of philosophy of ethics and in 1907, he obtained the degree of doctorate (Ph.D.) from Munich University.

Service of Iqbal in Pakistan Movement

Iqbal's Idea About Nationhood

Allama Iqbal is the greatest philosopher and poet of the present era. Along with this, he possessed a view about political affairs. He awakened the feeling of Muslim nationhood among the Muslims of India through his poetry. and told them about the propaganda of West about the Muslim nationhood.

When the Hindu philosophers presented this philosophy that a nation is born throughout the country and when Maulana Hussein Ahmed Madni seconded it, then Iqbal reacted strongly towards it. His thinking and poetry reflect the Two Nation Theory and his poetry awakened the feeling of Islamic nationality among the Muslims of India. This feeling was a milestone in the creation of Pakistan.

Iqbal's Political Life

Allama Iqbal made his debut in politics then he was elected as the member of Punjab's Legislative Assembly in 1926. During the elections of 1937, when Quaid-e-Azam started re constructioning of the Muslim League, Allama Iqbal was along with him. He always supported Quaid-e-Azam and the Muslim League. He always respected Quaid-e-Azam's point of view.

Iqbal and Two-Nation Theory

Allama Iqbal firmly believed that the Muslims of India have a separate identity and to protect this identity, the establishment of a separate homeland for the Muslims of India was necessary. On 28th March, 1909, he excusing the invitation from the secular party "Minsva Lodge" said:

"I have been a keen supporter of this theory that religious differences in this country should end and even now I practise this principle. But, now I think that separate national identity for the Muslims and the Hindus is necessary for their survival."

At his Presidential address in 1930, on the occasion of the annual session of Muslim League at Allahbad, Iqbal said:

"India is a continent of human groups belonging to different races, speaking different languages and professing different religions. There behaviour is not at all determined by a common race conciousness. I therefore, demand the formation of a consolidated Muslim state in the best interest of India and Islam."

Pakistan's Sketch

Allama Iqbal's Presidential Address at Allahbad in 1930 determined the political path of the Muslims of sub-continent. In his address, he in clear words said:

"I would like to see the Punjab, North-West Frontier Provice, Sindh and Balochistan be amalgamated into a single state."

He further stated that:

"The formation of a consolidated North-West Indian Muslim State appeares to be the final destiny of the Muslims, at least of North-West India."

Thus, Iqbal demanded a sovereign independent Muslim state even before the Muslim League demanded it in Pakistan's Resolution.

Ideology of Pakistan and Iqbal

Iqbal was strictly against nationalism. He considered all the Muslims to be a part of One Umma. For him, a Muslim whether he belonged to any part of the world was the part of brotherly relation. He considered nationalism to be a coffin for the Muslim Umma.

Thus, opposing the limitation and disadvantages of nationalism, Iqbal gave the philosophy of a "Millat-e-Islamia" and this philosophy is the basis of Pakistan Ideology.

Conclusion

In short, the personality of Allama Iqbal has left indelible marks in history. He tried to awaken the Muslims of India through his philosophy, poetry and politics and he brought the ideas of independence among the Muslims of India. Iqbal died on 21st April, 1938. He was buried in front of the "Badshahi Mosque" in "Huzori Bagh."

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