In Defense of Dr. Allama Iqbal

Dr. Maqsood Jafri

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The article of Shahid Mehmood Qasmi

In the defense of Dr. Allama Iqbal is outstanding literary criticism, incisive, eloquent, and deeply moving. It is anchored in sound reasoning and scholarly integrity. I admire his steadfast commitment to Iqbal’s poetry and philosophy, which clearly stems from years of his careful study and reflection.

Certain critics challenge Iqbal’s originality, alleging that he appropriated concepts and symbols from earlier poets. One frequent objection concerns his use of “Shaheen” ( Eagle). They claim that the great Pashtun poet Khushhal Khan Khattak first employed “ Shaheen”as an emblem of Pathan valor and defiance against British colonial rule. Since Iqbal also celebrated the “Shaheen”, they accuse him of mere borrowing.

Khushhal Khan Khattak did use “Shaheen”but primarily as a literal bird symbolizing courage and liberty. Dr. Iqbal, however, transformed it into a philosophy. In his vision, the bird “ Shaheen”is not just brave, it is dignified, dynamic, self-reliant, and driven by “Khudi”. It soars above petty cravings, thrives in storms, and refuses to be caged. Iqbal gave the symbol wings it had never possessed before.

Like every great poet, Allama Iqbal drew inspiration from the literary heritage of the world. He gathered the finest blossoms from that garden and arranged them into a bouquet uniquely his own. Yet a true innovator does more than collect. With his intellect, vision, and poetic imagination, Iqbal infused borrowed hues with new meaning and higher purpose.

Influence must not be confused with plagiarism. All major poets bear the imprint of their predecessors. Mirza Ghalib was profoundly influenced by Bedil Delhavi, yet no one calls Ghalib a plagiarist. The Western canon is built on such dialogue: Eliot with Dante, Keats with Milton, Wordsworth with Coleridge. Their genius lies not in isolation, but in transformation.

Dr. Iqbal was a voracious reader and a deep thinker. He immersed himself in religion, philosophy, history, literature, and politics. He tasted the wine of many traditions, but the wine he poured for us was distilled through his own insight. It was original, potent, and uniquely Iqbalian. German Philosopher Nietzsche gave the idea of Superman who is an Iron Man. This Superman is an atheist and a fascist but the Murde- i- Momin of Allama Iqbal is a monotheist and peace monger. Then how can we say that Dr. Iqbal borrowed this idea from Nietzsche? Dr. Iqbal in his book titled “ The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam has praised many poets and philosophers, does it mean, he borrowed their ideas? He has written poems eulogizing some eastern and western poets and philosophers in his poetry, does it mean he has borrowed ideas from them? Actually, his literary opponents do not appreciate the fact that Allama Iqbal was not a traditional poet who did not have background and knowledge of the world literature, hence they charge him as a plagiarist.

His verse continues to awaken minds and stirs soul. Allama Iqbal is a pioneer and harbinger of revolutionary ideas. His poetry is a clarion call for justice, liberty and Egohood. He is a trend setter in Urdu and Persian poetry.In my book titled “ The Message of Iqbal” published by National Book Foundation, Islamabad covers such controversial topics and clarifies such charges in the light of the sublimity and originality in the poetry of the “ Chief Poet” of our times.

Islamabad

June 18, 2026