Introduction
The founding of Pakistan was not the result of any accident, but it was a well-thought-out dream, a philosophical ideology and a practical struggle. The creator of this dream was the poet of the East , Allama Muhammad Iqbal , who not only shed light on the reasons for the decline of Muslims but also set the way for their rise. Iqbal’s dream was not just the establishment of a state but the revival of an Islamic civilization that would guide humanity in the light of the Quran and Sunnah.
The plight of Muslims and Iqbal’s concern
During Iqbal’s time, the Muslims of the subcontinent were in decline politically, socially and educationally. The pressure of British imperialism and the Hindu majority had plunged them into the darkness of despair and slavery. Through his poetry and speeches, Iqbal invited Muslims to recognize their lost self.
“Lift yourself up…” The message was actually to remind the Muslim of his true identity.
He said that imitation of Western civilization cannot save Muslims, but their real strength lies in the Quran, Islam and their spiritual values.
Allahabad Sermon 1930 – Dream Explanation
The most vivid glimpse of Iqbal’s dream is seen in the sermon at Allahabad (1930). In this sermon, he outlined a separate Muslim state by merging the northwestern regions of the subcontinent (Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and the NWFP).
Key Takeaways:
The political and social rights of Muslims can be protected only if they establish their own state.
Islam is not just a religion but a complete system of life, which needs an independent region to implement it.
Iqbal also said that Muslims want to live in peace with other nations of the subcontinent but cannot sacrifice their identity.
Iqbal and the Two Nation Theory
The basis of Iqbal’s dream was the two-nation theory.
Iqbal explained that Muslims and Hindus are two different nations: their religion, culture, history and way of life are different.
The survival of Muslims lies in preserving their separate political and cultural identity.
If Muslims try to assimilate into the Hindu majority, they will always be enslaved.
Reflections of dreams in poetry
His poetry is the biggest source for understanding Iqbal’s dream.
In the “Rise of Islam”, he told the Muslims about the rise of Islam.
The “Mosque of Córdoba” highlighted the splendor of Islamic civilization.
In “Shikoh” and “Jawab Shikoh”, he showed the reasons for the decline of the Muslims and the way to reform.
There was only one message in his poetry:
Muslims should return to their true identity, connect with the Qur’an, and recognize their collective strength.
Iqbal and Quaid-e-Azam
To make Iqbal’s dream a reality, he needed a practical leader, and that leader came in the form of Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Iqbal wrote a letter to Jinnah and made it clear that a separate state was inevitable for the Muslims of the subcontinent.
He described Jinnah as the “savior of Muslims” and groomed him for leadership.
If Iqbal’s dream was the intellectual foundation, then Jinnah’s struggle was the practical realization of that dream.
Creation of Pakistan – Dream Fulfilled
When Pakistan came into existence in 1947, it was not just a political achievement but a realization of the dream that Iqbal had shown to the Muslims.
Millions of Muslims sacrificed their lives.
Despite migration, sacrifices and hardships, a separate homeland was achieved.
Behind the flag of Pakistan was the light of Iqbal’s thoughts and ideals.
Iqbal’s Dream and Today’s Pakistan
The question is, is today’s Pakistan really the fulfillment of Iqbal’s dream?
Iqbal wanted Pakistan to become an Islamic welfare state where justice, equality and education would prevail.
But unfortunately, we have not yet been able to achieve this goal.
Corruption, ignorance and injustice are symbols of distance from Iqbal’s dream.
However, there is still a glimmer of hope:
Only the promotion of education, the establishment of justice and the return to Islamic principles can make Pakistan a reality.
Conclusion
Iqbal’s dream was not just a political demand but a blueprint for a spiritual and cultural revolution. Today, it is our responsibility not to limit this dream to the history books but to implement it in our practical life. If we establish a just and strong system in the light of the Quran and Sunnah, Pakistan will truly become a living image of Iqbal’s dream.
