The history of poetry has never seen a poet more educated than Allama Iqbal. The nation’s Muslims were greatly impacted by his poetry and his legacy continues to inspire people to strive for perfection.
The lessons of Iqbal’s poetic and philosophical message are best expressed in modern language as the necessity of the human being as a traveling self, someone who is constantly moving forward, ahead of himself, and in the direction of the future.
On account of Iqbal’s 145th birth anniversary, we have decoded a few powerful lessons from his poetry that are the need of the hour.
Everyone Is Equal – Aik Pahar Or Gulehri
This translates to, “Nothing is useless in this world, Nothing is bad in God’s creation”.
The symbolic poem “Aik Pahar Aur Gulehri” ( “A Mountain and a Squirrel”) recounts an interesting exchange between a mountain and a squirrel. The squirrel represents the average person, whereas the mountain stands for majesty, strength, and conceit. This sheds light on the idea that every individual in this world is equal in the eyes of God and just because someone is different doesn’t mean they are children of a lesser God. Therefore it is important that we treat everyone with due respect and not discriminate against anyone based on their circumstances.
The Importance Of Aiming High – Sitaron Se Agay Jahan Aur Bhi Hain
This translates to, “You are an eagle, flight is your vocation, You have other skies stretching out before you.”
Allama Iqbal compares us to an eagle who soars higher and knows no bounds. He encourages especially the youth to aspire for greatness. There is no limit to the pursuit of better. The poem is a message to tread beyond the obvious and find ways to break new ground. This message is essential to break the monotony Pakistan has trapped itself into. The only way to achieve greatness is to seek it!
No Act Is Insignificant – Hamdardi
This translates to, “With my heart and soul ready to help I am, Though only an insignificant insect I am”
This verse is an extract from a poem which is about a firefly who helped a nightingale through the dark. He wants the Muslims to understand that, even though little actions may often seem inconsequential or of little value, they have the power to make a tremendous difference. Since people today do not try to participate in a variety of activities because they view them as unimportant, you must give your all to bring about change. Iqbal is trying to convey the message of how even the smallest of acts can bring a difference in the lives of others which will help cultivate a sense of unity in our nation and help us reach our truest potential.
Spirit Of Nationalism – Bachay Ki Dua
This translates to, “May My Homeland Through Me Attain Elegance, As The Garden Through Flowers Attains Elegance”
This poem extends the message of serving your country in any way you can. In these times, we are often pointing fingers at others for ruining our country but have we ever asked ourselves one question, what have we done for our country? Our aspirations should be aligned with making our country proud.
Which poem by Allama Iqbal is your favorite? Let us know!
