Organize an
Iqbal Night

Muhammad Iqbal is one of the greatest thinkers of the 20th century. But for Muslims from the Indian subcontinent, he is much more. Iqbal advanced the idea of a separate homeland for Muslims on the subcontinent. He planted the idea in the hearts and minds of thousands of Muslims who later supported and worked for the establishment of Pakistan.

But many Pakistani-Americans, especially those from the younger generation, have hardly heard of him nor understand the impact he has had.

Iqbal played a fundamental role in persuading Mohammad Ali Jinnah, an Indian- born Muslim lawyer, to lead the Pakistan movement that culminated in the establishment of the country in 1947. Also, Iqbal influenced the work of renowned Muslim scholar Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.

Iqbal went through various phases in life, influenced by both western thinkers as well as communism. However, Islam was the most potent influence on his life and work. He would awaken in the morning, pray, read Quran, make Dua and then write his poetry.

Pakistanis of all ages and from all walks of life should be familiar with this great personality. Here's one activity that can help: Iqbal night in your home or on your campus. It's not difficult to organize and simply requires some effort and cooperation from those involved.

For this event, each person involved makes a presentation about a different aspect of Iqbal's life and work. Younger children can write or speak about basic things: where he was born, his parents' names and a little bit about his early life. Even better, they can prepare a short skit about some aspect of his childhood or student life.

Young adults can present Iqbal's ideas about Islam and the state of Muslims in India at that time. They can address his desire to awaken the Muslim masses, to see themselves as "sleeping giants;" powerful but physically, intellectually and psychologically colonized by the British.

Another must-have for Iqbal Night is a presentation of his poetry. The presenter should not only quote from his poems but also provide the English translation so everyone can understand. Iqbal's books are widely available and most of his works can be bought for less than $50. Iqbal night can also be an exercise in learning Urdu. Have all family members learn five new words from his poetry and discuss the theme.

Finally, don't hesitate to use more creative ways to share the works and influence of this great poet. With all kinds of media at our disposal, there are many, many other things you can do to make Iqbal night educational and fun for all ages.

Date/Time Last Modified: 6/17/2002 3:48:23 PM

Readers' Comment

Kim: 7/20/2005 7:55:45 PM
I don't know anything about this Iqbal guy, but Communism is evil.

Imran: 10/4/2005 10:13:11 PM
Hey Kim, why don't you shut the hell up and keep your dumb comments to yourself.

Laura: 4/3/2006 5:48:12 PM
AOA, jashn-e-meladun`NABI(SAW) bubarik, "kahan main kahan madhat-e- zaat-e-graami,na main saadi na roomi na qudsi na jaami, pseenay pseenay howa jaa raha hoon,kahan yeh zubaan or kahan naam e naam- flak say zameen tak hay jashn-e-chraghaan,k tashreef latay hain shah-e-rasoolan, kusha jalwa-e-mahtaab-e-mujassam,zah-e-aamday aftaabay tmaami.koi aisa hadi btaa day tu janain,koi aisa muihsin dikha tu manain, kabhi dostoon per nazar ahtsaabi,kabhi dushmanoon say bhi sheereen klaami.faqeeroon ko kia kaam tabloo alam say,gdaaoon ko kia fiqr jaaho hashm ki, Ataaoon qbaaoon ka main kia karoon ga,maray kaam aye mairee tishna kaami,unhain sidqay dil say bulaa k tu daikhoo,ndaamat k aansoo bahaa k tu daikhoo, liay jao IQBAL naam-e-MUHAMMAD,shfaat ka zamin hay ismay graami... Ok, I don't know about you but when I get something like this in my instant messenger it pisses me off cause it's not in my language. How am I suppose to read it let alone understand its content or, for that matter, its intent. If you are going to send something like this to me for crying out loud put it in English!!!

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