Allama Iqbal’s Legacy Celebrated

Ishtiaq Ahmed
London: Millions come and go from this world without a trace, but there are relatively a few that leave an indelible mark on the legacy of a nation. In the history of Pakistan, Allama Muhammad Iqbal was a personality, a philosopher, a poet, and a political activist who helped to coin the vision of Pakistan. For this, he occupies a very special place in the hearts of the Pakistani nation, a national treasure that continues to inspire , motivate and guide.9th November was the Iqbal Day remembered and celebrated throughout Pakistan. It was no different in other parts of the world including Britain, home for the largest Pakistani diaspora in Europe.
The Iqbal Day was also celebrated in Bradford, fondly referred to as “little Pakistan “ at Khidmat Centre.
Senior Members of the Pakistani Community from the world of culture, religion and politic, across West Yorkshire and other parts of the country attended the event. A number of learned guest speakers paid tribute to Iqbal’s contribution as a philosopher, as a visionary poet , as a religious thinker and as a foremost political activist.Anila Aslam in her opening remarks said that the fact we are remembering and celebrating legacy of Iqbal here thousands of miles away from our beloved home land shows our love for Iqbal, his vision for Pakistan and for the Muslim Ummah. Occasions like these are so important for us and our future generations away from home land. It keeps us connected.
Hafiz Azad , a senior Imam at the Al-Hira Jammia Masjid , spoke about Iqbal’s love for the Quran. He said that according to Iqbal Muslim Ummah lost it’s potency and direction when they their link with the Quran became diluted and weakened. Iqbal desired for Muslims to return and reconnect with Quran to regain and revive their power and relevance.Mohammed Ajeeb, CBE, the former Lord of Bradford Council, emphasised the universality of Iqbal’s vision of freedom, equality, and justice. Not only for Muslims but for all of humanity. Iqbal’s message was never more relevant than today for what we are seeing in Pakistan and around the world, particularly in Palestine. It is the message of universal freedom, equality, and justice that makes Iqbal’s contribution so relevant for us. Malik Sharjeel and Masood Junjua recited extracts from Iqbal’s most famous work, Shikwa-Jawab Shikwa.
The evening concluded with the performance of Iqbal’s work by Saghir Ali Khan and Party.
Long may live the force of Iqbal’s legacy. As a nation, we never needed his vision more today than ever before.