National Poet of Pakistan Muhammad Iqbal – Poet, Philosopher & Visionary Leader
National Poet of Pakistan Early Life and Education
The National Poet of Pakistan is Allama Muhammad Iqbal (1877–1938). He was not only a poet but also a philosopher, scholar, and political thinker who played a crucial role in inspiring the idea of Pakistan.
🧒 Early Life:
Full Name: Muhammad Iqbal
Date of Birth: November 9, 1877
Place of Birth: Sialkot, Punjab (then part of British India, now in Pakistan)
Family Background:
Born into a Kashmiri Brahmin family that had converted to Islam.
His father, Sheikh Noor Muhammad, was a pious and humble man.
His mother, Imam Bibi, was known for her compassion and religious devotion.
🧒 Early Life (1877–1895)
📍 Birth and Family
Born on November 9, 1877, in Sialkot, Punjab, British India (now Pakistan).
His ancestry traced back to Kashmiri Brahmins who converted to Islam several centuries earlier.
His father, Sheikh Noor Muhammad, was a tailor and known for his deep religious views and simple living.
His mother, Imam Bibi, was a kind-hearted woman who greatly influenced Iqbal’s emotional and spiritual development. Her death in 1914 deeply affected him, and he later wrote a moving elegy in her memory.
🧠 Personality and Traits as a Child
Quiet, reflective, and intellectually curious from a young age.
Developed a love for languages, literature, and nature.
Was exposed to Islamic teachings early in life, which later became the foundation of his poetry and philosophy.
National Poet of Pakistan
🎓 Education (1895–1908)
🏫 Early Education in Sialkot
Began with Qur’anic and Arabic studies in a local maktab.
Attended the Scottish Mission School, where he learned English and Western subjects.
His Arabic and Persian studies were supervised by Maulana Syed Mir Hassan, a renowned scholar and mentor who introduced him to classical Persian poets like Rumi and Hafiz — major influences on his poetry.
📘 Murray College, Sialkot
Completed his Intermediate (FA) from Murray College.
Studied philosophy, history, and literature.
Began writing poetry in Persian and Urdu during this time.
Developed strong oratory and writing skills.
🎓 Higher Education in Lahore (1895–1905)
Admitted to Government College, Lahore — one of the top institutions at the time.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Philosophy, 1897.
Master of Arts (MA) in Philosophy, 1899 — stood first in the university and won the Khwaja Muhammad Yusuf Gold Medal.
💡 Mentor: Under the guidance of Sir Thomas Arnold, a British orientalist, Iqbal developed a deeper interest in Western philosophy, particularly the works of Kant, Hegel, and Nietzsche
✈️ Studies Abroad (1905–1908)
Iqbal went to Europe to further his education and broaden his worldview.
🇬🇧 University of Cambridge (1905–1906)
Studied Moral Sciences (Philosophy) and was influenced by modern Western thinkers.
Formed friendships with political and literary figures in England.
⚖️ Lincoln’s Inn, London
Enrolled to become a barrister-at-law.
Called to the bar in 1908.
🇩🇪 University of Munich, Germany
Completed his Doctorate (PhD) in 1908.
His doctoral thesis: “The Development of Metaphysics in Persia” — a philosophical exploration of Islamic and Persian thought.
Wrote his thesis in English, and it was well-received in academic circles.
📚 Key Takeaways from His Education:
East + West: Iqbal was unique in that he deeply studied Islamic mysticism and Western philosophy — allowing him to critique both traditions insightfully.
His time in Europe broadened his political thinking, and he became increasingly aware of the plight of Muslims under colonial rule.
Inspired by the teachings of Rumi, Nietzsche, and Goethe, his poetry often blends mysticism with calls for revival and action.
🔁 Transition to Public Life:
Upon returning to India in 1908, Iqbal:
Started practicing law.
Became a professor of philosophy.
Began writing powerful poetry that urged Muslims to rediscover their spiritual identity and political strength.
Eventually, he proposed the idea of a separate Muslim state — what would later become Pakistan
Meerab Hifsa