About Allama Iqbal
Early 20th Century (Philosopher Poet) · The philosopher who gave Urdu its backboneSir Muhammad Iqbal (Allama Iqbal) was a philosopher, politician, and poet widely regarded as having inspired the Pakistan Movement. His poetry, written in Urdu and Persian, focuses on selfhood (Khudi), spiritual awakening, and the revival of Eastern intellectual tradition.
Read All 20 Shayaris by Allama Iqbalarrow_forwardMore Shayari by Allama Iqbal
Khudi ko kar buland itna ke har taqdeer se pehle,
Khuda bande se khud pooche bata teri raza kya hai.
“Elevate your self so high that before every decree of fate, even God himself asks: tell me, what is your desire?”
Sitaron se aage jahan aur bhi hain,
Abhi ishq ke imtihan aur bhi hain.
“Beyond the stars there are still more worlds; there are still more tests of love ahead.”
Hazaaron saal nargis apni be-noori pe roti hai,
Badi mushkil se hota hai chaman mein deeda-war paida.
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Reading Allama Iqbal: where this sher fits
Themes to watch for: khudi (selfhood), action over passivity, rebellion against stagnation, nature and the divine, youth as the engine of change. Try 'Lab pe aati hai dua', 'Shikwa' and 'Jawab-e-Shikwa' for contrast: the first is a simple prayer, the next two are audacious conversations with God.
Worth knowing: His poem 'Lab pe aati hai dua' has been recited by generations of school children across the subcontinent.