Biography of Mohammad Iqbal

(1873 - 1938)

Mohammad Iqbal was a renowned poet, philosopher, and lawyer. He was born in 1873 when Indian nationalism was in its nascent stage. During his childhood, nationalism had a very big impact on his young mind. As a result, Iqbal began writing patriotic songs at an early stage. One of his most famous compositions is ‘Sare jahan se accha hindustan hamara'.

In his writing, one can perceive various aspects of India's poverty and its dependence on an alien country. Early in his political life, he was a fervent nationalist. He wrote many poems in the glory of India. He wrote a poem Himalaya', in which he eulogized the wondrous beauty of India's rich ancient culture. Similarly, in his other poem, “Mera Vatan Wahi Hai', he emphasised India's unity in diverse religions.

In 1930, he presided over the Allahabad session of the Muslim League and in his speech mooted the idea of the formation of a separate Muslim state bifurcating India on the basis of religion. He died in 1938.