Afghanistan: What Now?
November 12, 2023
China’s Maritime Reach: Growing Influence in the Indian Ocean and its Implication
November 14, 2023
Wania Ali
Allama Muhammad Iqbal, born on November 9, 1877, in Sialkot (now in Pakistan), is renowned as the “Poet of the East.” His impactful poetry and philosophical insights have left an enduring mark on Urdu literature and Islamic thought. Iqbal’s verses transcend cultural boundaries, addressing universal themes of self-realization, spirituality, and societal challenges.
Allama Iqbal, the revered poet-philosopher of the East, left behind a profound legacy that transcends time and borders. This article seeks to explore the enduring relevance of Iqbal’s thought in understanding the resilience of the Palestinian people amidst their longstanding struggle for justice and self-determination.
Iqbal’s Emphasis on Justice:
At the heart of Iqbal’s philosophy lies a fervent call for justice. His poetic verses echo with a commitment to fairness and the fight against oppression. As we delve into the Palestinian narrative, Iqbal’s emphasis on justice becomes a poignant lens through which we can comprehend the challenges faced by a people seeking to reclaim their homeland.
The Quest for Self-Determination:
Iqbal’s concept of “Khudi” (selfhood) encourages individuals and nations to realize their inherent strength. In the Palestinian context, where the pursuit of self-determination has been a defining struggle, Iqbal’s ideals become a guiding light, offering insights into the resilience required to uphold one’s identity and reclaim one’s rights.
Intersecting Historical Narratives:
Examining Iqbal’s poetry alongside the historical backdrop of Palestine allows us to draw parallels and find intersections. The quest for justice, resistance against oppression, and the unwavering spirit to reclaim a homeland — these themes resonate in both Iqbal’s verses and the Palestinian narrative, providing a unique perspective on the resilience embedded in the collective consciousness.
Iqbal’s Challenge to Oppression:
Iqbal’s poetry was not confined to the literary realm; it served as a call to action against injustice. His words challenged the oppressive forces of his time, much like the ongoing struggle against occupation in Palestine. Understanding Iqbal’s challenge to oppression provides a framework for appreciating the steadfast resilience of the Palestinian people against formidable odds.
Influence on Contemporary Movements:
The echoes of Iqbal’s philosophy can be heard in contemporary movements for justice and human rights. By exploring how his ideas reverberate within the Palestinian struggle, we gain a deeper understanding of how Iqbal’s legacy acts as a source of inspiration for those who persist in the face of adversity.
Iqbal Says
In the taverns of France, a toast to health,
Every Aleppo glass brims with the wine of wealth.
On the soil of Palestine, if Jews claim their right,
Why deny Arabs the same over Spain’s ancient site?
The aim is the agenda of the English monarchy’s might,
Not the tale of oranges, honey, or dates in the sunlight
The provided verses are a blend of poetic reflection and socio-political commentary, and they resonate with the philosophical underpinnings often associated with Allama Iqbal. While the verses themselves do not explicitly reference specific works by Iqbal, they align with his broader themes of justice, geopolitical considerations, and the quest for self-determination.
1. In the Realm of Thought, Iqbal Resides:
This line sets the thematic tone, suggesting that the subsequent verses are influenced by the intellectual legacy of Allama Iqbal. Iqbal, being a philosopher and poet, is often celebrated for his profound thoughts on self-realization, justice, and the challenges faced by the Muslim world.
2. In the taverns of France, a toast to health,
Every Aleppo glass brims with the wine of wealth:
This imagery could be symbolic of the intellectual exchanges that occurred in European cultural centers during Iqbal’s time. The mention of Aleppo, historically known for its cultural richness, might symbolize the abundance of intellectual wealth present in diverse cultures.
3. On the soil of Palestine, if Jews claim their right,
Why deny Arabs the same over Spain’s ancient site:
Here, the poet raises a poignant question about justice and territorial claims. The reference to Jews claiming their right in Palestine prompts a comparison with the historical claims of Arabs in Spain, highlighting a perceived inconsistency in the recognition of historical rights.
4. Aim is the agenda of English monarchy’s might,
Not the tale of oranges, honey, or dates in the sunlight:
This line seems to shift the focus to geopolitical considerations, suggesting that the true agenda of the English monarchy is driven by strategic aims rather than the idyllic and romanticized notions of prosperity symbolized by fruits like oranges, honey, or dates.
The lines convey a sense of irony and skepticism, suggesting that the motives behind these geopolitical conflicts may be more complex and rooted in imperialistic agendas rather than the narratives of historical rights and claims. The imagery of the wine of roses in Aleppo’s glasses contrasts sharply with the sobering reality of political struggles and territorial disputes.
I have written a poem for the people of GAZA and the Children, which paints emotions with the brush of language, weaving elegance into every verse.
Gaza’s Children in the Shadows
In Gaza’s streets, where childhood should sing,
Echoes of laughter lost, innocence taking wing
Amidst rubble and whispers of the past,
Children bear burdens, their hopes steadfast
In the shadows, where dreams dare not roam,
Gaza’s children find the courage to call home
Their playground, a canvas of resilience,
Painted with hope, amidst the dissonance
Tiny hands hold dreams as fragile as glass,
Yet, in their eyes, resilience holds vast
Underneath the Gaza sky’s tender hue,
Children bloom, their spirits anew
In the echoes of playgrounds silenced by strife,
Gaza’s children embody resilience, the essence of life
In the tapestry of conflict, where shadows fall,
Gaza’s children rise, their laughter, a defiance to it all.
The author is a student of International Relations at the National University of Modern Languages, Rawalpindi. Her area of interest is Literature, Poetry, and geopolitics. She tweets @WaniaBajwa.
