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The main subject of this article is that I’m doing an interview with someone who is no longer living and creating answers I think they had given. This interview is based on questions I have asked Sir Iqbal and answer I think they had given.
Dr. Iqbal is known as a Muslim philosopher, a great poet, a zealous politician, as well as an academic, barrister and scholar in British India, who is widely regarded as having inspired The Pakistan Movement, and had a most important and prominent figure in Urdu literature.
Allama Iqbal was born on 9 November 1877 in Sialkot, Punjab within the British area (which is now in Pakistan). He was esteemed not just by East by also by West. All over the world, everyone was influenced by his poetry. He is known as Muffakir-e-Pakistan (The Thinker of Pakistan), Mussawir-e-Pakistan (The Artist of Pakistan), Shair-e-Mashrik, Hakeem-ul-Ummat (Sage of Ummah). He is also known as Spiritual Father of Pakistan.
Source: Allama Iqbal
His notable idea was Allahabad Address. His main interest was in Islam, Urdu poetry, Persian poetry and Law. In Iran, he is famous as Iqbal-e-Lahori. His poetry is famous in Iran and had a great influence on Iranians, Indians, and Britishers and on the whole world.
This was my first ever experience to interview with the most superior personality, Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal. As we all know that he is no more in this world, but he is alive in the heart of every human being. So, as I am in front of Allama Iqbal, the same time when I was thinking in mind, what to ask or not, or what to ask first. Iqbal started with the beautiful words, that are:
After listening to this treasured words based exactly on today’s world, I was solely impressed and speechless. His voice was truly amazing and peaceful enough to make me still. Now, I started questioning and the questions were,
Q: Share something about “dream of a separate nation”?
Source: kashmirreader.com
A: The first step to activating this dream is to understand my vision of “ISLAM” which gave birth to this dream. Through poetry, I try to wake up the Muslims.“Mazhab nahi sikhata aapas mai bair rakhna” highlight that all religious exhort their followers to respect each other and their no reason to spread hatred on the basis of religions. This was my dream which gave birth to “PAKISTAN”.
Q: Dream is a message from Allah to us, is there any secret connection between you and Allah?
A: “FAITH’ all depends upon this five lettered word, I have a profound belief in Allah. I don’t know if there any secret connection between me and Allah, but I’m the luckiest person to whom Allah chooses for this dream and laurels me with great respect and regard.
Q: You are a doctor, philosopher, poet and a barrister! What is your message to today’s generation on education?
Source: NewsOne
A: The main difference between man and animal is the ability of man to acquire knowledge and work according to it. Education! The most powerful word, it can use to change the whole world (as I have used). It is the passport to the future. As I know the educational system of my country but still I will say that education is more important than your daily meal! If you’re educated, everything will be under your control. Even you can defeat the whole world by the power of education. Education is everything, my child.
Q: Elaborate your thoughts on the importance of worldly and religious education?
A: Islam is a most sacred and trustworthy religion, which has given us guidance in every aspect of life. The importance of education in the sight of Islam is very high. As Prophet (P.B.U.H) said, “To seek knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim, male and female.” On the other hand, worldly education carries its importance.
Q: How much is your attribution towards Namaz and Quran?
Source: Iqbal Day
A: As we know that praying five times a day is our duty and it is (FARZ) compulsory. Namaz is the message we all have given from Allah. And Quran, I have a spiritual connection with Quran, whenever I’m writing verses I have Quran nearby me. Without Namaz and Quran, life is nothing! “Sometimes all it takes is just one prayer to change everything”
Q: When you get up in the morning?
A: Very early. As a matter of fact, I sleep very little. I’m keen to my prayer. After prayer, I read Quran, which is my hobby.
Q: How did you know that you are in the poetic mood?
A: Hmmm! As a poet, I’m not dependent on mood but I’ll answer that, when I’m in the poetic mood I call my khadim and order him to bring my notebook and Qalam (pen), and more often to bring Quran.
Q: Any interest in sports?
A: Yes! I’m interested in wrestling. I often watch wrestling on television and enjoy the time.
Q: What are your favorite dishes?
Source: NewsOne
A: I am fond of pulao, khushka (a rice dish primarily made of rice, spices, and ghee), mash-ki-daal, and karela (stuffed with minced meat).
Q: Is there any volition regards your children that what they should be when they grow up?
A: As I said that education is a very important factor in one’s life, so they are studying the subjects in which they are interested. If you ask that what I want to see my children becoming. So, I personally want that my elder son Javed Iqbal, to be a scientist but his interest is in philosophy.
My next question is my favorite question. Hope you will also enjoy that; I want to ask you;
Q: As we all know that it is the wish of every living human being, that you would be the president of our country, so if you would become the president for one day, what major objectives will you do for Pakistan and people of Pakistan?
Source: Samaa.tv
A: (Hope he will smile a little and then a very simple and magnificent answer which I was not expecting) To be a President or Prime Minister is not a big deal but to be a good human and a prominent and awe-inspiring leader is a big job. If I would become the president of Pakistan, not just one, my all objectives will be just for the people of Pakistan, and for my land. My country will be my first priority, not myself. A single thing that I’ll do will be with good deeds. I’m a creative person and do as much as I can to make my country a living example of happiness and peace.
“The real sinner is he who is non-creative.”
Q: Will you prefer any other profession over poetry?
A: My personal interest is in poetry. I do poetry in Persian also.
گرچہ ہندی در عذوبت شکر است
طرز گفتار دري شيرين تر است
Q: Share your thinking on the current situation of Pakistan?
Source: Samaa TV
A: Our own indolence, misapprehensions, and faults had led Pakistan to this situation. If we have to choose a leader for our country, so, it is our duty not to choose money, fame or beauty. Instead of these all things we have to choose a better person, who is trustworthy, intelligent and who knows how to run a country on proper and strict rules. If you cannot then stop behaving like, every mistake is of that leader, and you are a well-born.
He ended up the interview with some verses and beautiful poetry.
تو شاہیں ہے پرواز ہے کام تیرا
ترے سامنے آسماں اور بھی ہیں
Allama Iqbal died on 21st April 1938, at the age of 60. On his death, all Pakistanis, Indians, Muslims, and Non- Muslims were in the deep setback. Now, Iqbal is no more in this world but his work and the dream of Pakistan would be written in golden words in the history of Pakistan. On the death of a great philosopher, an English officer said.
“Today you have buried the last true Muslim of the sub-continent.”
These words are deep enough to make a Muslim awake to take the step for his/her country. We salute Dr, Allama Muhammad Iqbal for his resplendent work for Pakistan and for us. May ALLAH rest the inspiring soul in peace (AMEEN). Pakistan is our nation and we should be proud to be a Pakistani, and respect our motherland.
It is every Pakistani’s responsibility to take every possible step to make their country and homeland a prosperous and ardent state. If we take a single step with good deed it is a step towards a better Pakistan. Pakistan is our nation and lets us makes Pakistan proud, Pakistan Zindabad.
