I am not a fan of poetry; I never studied Iqbal thoroughly except whatever I learned during my school years in Pakistan. Recent discussion on allegations against Iqbal of conversion from Qadiyani to Sunni Muslim for personal gain, which I believe are malicious and false, gave me a chance to read more about Iqbal. During this discussion it was repeatedly said by some participants that there is no proof that Iqbal played a role in the concept or creation of Pakistan.
See below two samples of e-mails
Excerpt of e-mail by Mian Aslam to Salik Sahib.
He (Iqbal) did not conceive Pakistan. In fact he clarified his position to Colonial Masters through personal letters that he did not mean to promote the idea of a separate country for British Indian Muslim subjects.
Excerpt of e-mail by Wequar Azeem to Salik Sahib.
“Mian Aslam Saheb is right though about Iqbal’s contribution towards making of Pakistan. He has been glorified for conception of Pakistan without the backing of, in fact contrary to, historical facts.”
During my recent study of Iqbal, I came across historic facts which prove that Iqbal conceived the idea of a separate Muslim State and played a role in supporting the efforts of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Iqbal was the President of Punjab Muslim League when he delivered the famous Presidential address in Allaabad on December 29, 1930 at the 25th Session of All India Muslim League. In this address he specifically addressed the concept of a separate state for Muslims and mentioned the possible future boundaries of Pakistan. He declared in this address;
“I would like to see the Punjab, North-West Frontier Province, Sind and Baluchistan amalgamated into a single State. Self-government within the British Empire, or without the British Empire, the formation of a consolidated North-West Indian Muslim State appears to me to be the final destiny of the Muslims, at least of North-West India.”
The full text of the speech can be read at Columbia University Website URL link http://www.columbia.edu/itc/mealac/pritchett/00islamlinks/txt_iqbal_1930.html
The similar excerpts from speech can be found in book ‘Gabriel’s Wing by Schimmel Ann Marie, published 1962, pages 33, 34. Link;
http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=goE3AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA153&dq=Muhammad+Iqbal+illness#v=onepage&q=Muhammad%20Iqbal%20illness&f=false
The author of this book also writes( page 34) that Iqbal did not judge from a hasty time bound point of view, is clear from a letter written in 1909 to a friend ;
“I have myself been of the view that religious differences disappear from the country, and even now act on this principle in my private life. But now I think that the preservation of their separate national entities is desirable for both the Hindus and Muslims. The vision of a common nationhood for India is a beautiful ideal, and has a poetic appeal, but looking to the present conditions and the unconscious trends of the communities appear incapable of fulfillment”
The above letter was written to a friend Munshi Ghulam Qadir Farrah. The reference to this letter can also be found on Columbia University Website.
The author of the book further writes on page 34; “Iqbal willingly lent Mr. Jinnah his help in consolidating Muslim Party. On March 23, 1940-two years after Iqbal’s death-the creation of independent state of Pakistan was accepted officially as the goal of Muslim League.
In my view, above convincingly proves that Iqbal conceived the idea of a separate Muslim State and was also politically active to support Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Claims that no such record exists does not hold up. If some contrary record exists, please bring forward. Please keep in mind that such record should be according to generally accepted verifiable standards.
Fayyaz A. Sheikh
