“Iqbal and Pakistanism” ( In the light of Iqbal's Essays and Letters)

اقبال اورپاکستانیت(اقبال کے مقالات و مکاتیب کی روشنی میں)

Abstract

This article examines Allama Iqbal's philosophy of "Pakistaniyat" (Pakistani nationalism) as articulated through his poetry, essays, and letters. Iqbal, a poet, thinker, and political leader, was a pioneer in advocating the Two-Nation Theory, which became the ideological foundation for Pakistan's creation. Initially an advocate for Hindu-Muslim unity to resist British colonialism, Iqbal soon recognized the irreconcilable cultural and religious differences between the two communities. This realization led to his historic 1930 Allahabad address, where he proposed a separate homeland for Muslims rooted in Islamic principles. Iqbal's vision of Pakistaniyat emphasized unity, identity, and moral development, contrasting with Western notions of nationalism based on geography or ethnicity. His correspondence, particularly with leaders like Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, demonstrated his political insight and determination to mobilize Muslims for a sovereign state. Iqbal not only envisioned Pakistan as a welfare state committed to Islamic values and social justice but also played a pivotal role in shaping the ideology that guided its creation. The article underscores the enduring relevance of Iqbal's philosophy, urging Pakistanis to safeguard their national identity, strengthen societal values, and actively contribute to the nation's development. It calls for aligning intellectual and cultural endeavors with Iqbal’s ideals of unity, self-awareness, and national pride to transform Pakistan into a progressive Islamic welfare state. Iqbal’s dream demands a collective effort to realize the nation’s potential and join the ranks of developed countries through an unwavering commitment to its Islamic and moral foundations.

Keywords: Allama Iqbal, Pakistaniyat, Two-Nation Theory, Islamic principles, nationalism, Pakistan Movement, Allahabad Address 1930, Muslim identity, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Welfare state, National Unity, Social Justice