Nation observes death anniversary of national poet Dr Allama Iqbal

The 80th death anniversary of national poet and philosopher Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal is being observed on Saturday (April 21).

Born in Sialkot, the Shair-e-Mashriq is considered to be one of the most important figures in South Asian literature, with works in both Urdu and Persian

Allama Iqbal through his revolutionary thinking had given the Muslims of the Sub-Continent the concept of a separate state where they can live in accordance with their religion and customs.

Iqbal’s poetry has universality about it and it has been translated into 60 different languages across the globe.
Iqbal is credited with bringing Quaid-e-Azam Muhamamd Ali Jinnah back to India from a self-proclaimed exile in England who later, through his statesmanship and wisdom, won a separate homeland for the Muslims nine years after the demise of Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal.

His work and thoughts are still relevant in the society. Some of his best works comprise Asrar-e-Khudi, Payam-i-Mashriq, Bang-i-Dara, Bal-i-Jibril, Zarb-i Kalim and Armughan-e-Hijaz

Born on 9 November 1877 in Sialkot, Allama Iqbal died on April 21, 1938 in Lahore where he lays in eternal rest.