About 60 percent of the works of Iqbal Lahori which are mater pieces is in the Persian language which makes him equally popular in Iran.
The 141st birth anniversary of poet Iqbal Lahori who is also national poet of Pakistan is celebrated today (Friday) with national zeal and fervor across Pakistan and in other parts of the world.
Literary, educational, political, social and cultural organizations arranged special programs to pay homage to the national poet and highlight different aspects of his life and teachings.
Allama Iqbal, born on November 9, 1877 in Eastern city of Sialkot, was great representative of the subcontinent and an important personality for the Pakistan movement.
Iqbal was a Sufi poet for the modern age who aroused a revolutionary spirit in the nation through his poetry. His poetry has been translated in many languages and is considered a great philosopher all over the world.
In their separate messages on the occasion, President of Pakistan Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan have called for understanding and acting upon the message of Iqbal Lahori to achieve high distinction in the comity of nations.
Pakistani professor of Persian language Zeeshan ul Hassan told IRNA that Iqbal Lahori had strong grip over Persian and Arabic languages and two-third of his work is in Persian language.
Assistant Director History and Archeology Walled City of Lahore Authority said Iqbal Lahori was the follower of Maulana Rumi (Maulavi) and considered him his teacher and mentor. “Iqbal Lahori and Maulavi are two great figures of Muslims who were born in different eras,” he said.
The scholar added that there are many poetic verses which explain the similarities between the works of Mauavi and Iqbal Lahori. He said that Iqbal Lahori always described Maulavi as his spiritual guide.
The expert said Iqbal was also influenced by the woks of Hafiz Shirazi and Saadi Shirazi while he also read the works of other Persian poets.
He added that Iqbal Lahori in his works always stressed the greatness of Islam and Muslims.
Zeeshan ul Hassan expressing his views said, 'We have one thousand years of history of Persian in this area that is why Iqbal preferred his language in his poetry.'
Meanwhile, a change of guard ceremony was held at mausoleum of Iqbal in Lahore.
Allama Iqbal through his revolutionary thinking had given the Muslims of the sub-continent the concept of a separate state where they can live in accordance with their religion and customs.
Though Iqbal is best known as an eminent poet, he is also a highly acclaimed Muslim philosophical thinker of modern times.
He is called the 'Spiritual Father of Pakistan '. He is considered one of the most important figures in Urdu literature, with literary works in both Urdu and Persian.
His poetry, most of which had messages for the youth, is still remembered. His work was spread so far that it was translated into many other languages.
Asrar-e-Khudi, Payam-i-Mashriq, Bang-i-Dara, Bal-i-Jibril, Zarb-i Kalim and Armughan-e-Hijaz were amongst his best works and due to his command over the Persian language, he managed to earn much respect in Iran as well.
About 60 percent of the works of Iqbal Lahori is in the Persian language and they are masterpieces.
Iqbal did not oppose to scientific western culture, rather he was against capitalistic democracy and materialistic civilization, which did not abide by the religious and moral values.
He had advised Muslims to benefit from the modern knowledge while safeguarding their own culture.
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Islamabad, Nov 9, IRNA - Allama Muhammad Iqbal, known as Iqbal Lahori in Iran, was a great Muslim poet, philosopher and thinker of the sub-continent and is widely known as the poet of Islam or the poet of the East.
