Allama Iqbal - Profile & Biography

Allama Iqbal (1877 – 1938)

Birth and Early Life

Allama Iqbal was born on 9 November 1877 (1294 AH) in Sialkot, India, in the house of Sheikh Noor Muhammad. His parents named him Muhammad Iqbal. His ancestors, after accepting Islam, had migrated from Kashmir to Sialkot in the late 18th or early 19th century and settled in Mohalla Khatian.

Sheikh Noor Muhammad was a deeply religious man. He considered religious education sufficient for his son and often spent time with local scholars of Sialkot. When Iqbal grew a little older, he was sent to Maulana Ghulam Hassan, who used to teach at a mosque in Mohalla Shiwala. Sheikh Noor Muhammad was a regular visitor there, and thus Iqbal began his studies with the Holy Qur’an, continuing for almost a year.

Around that time, the renowned scholar Maulana Syed Mir Hassan visited the place. He noticed a child with a shining face that reflected signs of future greatness. On inquiry, he learned that the child was Sheikh Noor Muhammad’s son. Being acquainted with the father, Maulana Mir Hassan strongly advised that Iqbal should not be confined to a madrasa alone, but should also pursue modern education under his supervision. Eventually, Sheikh Noor Muhammad entrusted Iqbal’s education to him.

Iqbal began studying Urdu, Persian, and Arabic literature under Mir Hassan, whose teaching style was deeply literary and inspiring. Later, Mir Hassan also joined Scotch Mission School as a teacher, and Iqbal followed him there, maintaining the same routine of learning both in school and personally under his guidance.

Mir Hassan was not just a teacher but a mentor, well-versed in Islamic sciences, modern subjects, literature, logic, linguistics, and mathematics. His method was unique—knowledge was taught not as mere information, but as a lived experience enriched with poetry and cultural references. His influence played a central role in shaping Iqbal’s personality and intellectual depth.

Iqbal’s father gave him a heart filled with spirituality, while Mir Hassan trained his mind with knowledge. The combination of the two produced the rare unity of thought and spirit that defined Iqbal’s genius.

In 1893, Iqbal passed his Matriculation examination with distinction, receiving a medal and scholarship. He later completed his Intermediate (FA) in 1895 at Scotch Mission School. From childhood, Iqbal had a passion for poetry. Though at first he treated it as a pastime, by his youth poetry had become the voice of his soul.

Education

Iqbal moved to Lahore in 1895 and enrolled at Government College, choosing English, Philosophy, and Arabic as his subjects. For Arabic, he also studied at Oriental College under Maulana Faizul Hasan Saharanpuri.

He completed his B.A. in 1898, and then pursued M.A. in Philosophy, coming first in Punjab University in 1899. His intellectual journey was guided by Professor T. W. Arnold, who became one of the most influential figures in his academic and spiritual life.

Iqbal’s poetic fame began in 1899, when he recited his ghazal “Moti samajh kar shaane Kareemi ne chun liye …” at a gathering, which received great admiration. From then on, he became a celebrated poet in literary and reformist circles, particularly in the Anjuman-e-Himayat-e-Islam, which played a vital role in his popularity among the Muslims of Punjab.

In May 1899, Iqbal was appointed MacLeod Arabic Reader at Oriental College, later teaching English at Government College. In 1903, he published his first prose book in Urdu on economics, Ilm-ul-Iqtisad.

In October 1905, Iqbal went to Europe for higher studies.

Higher Education and Journey to Europe

In December 1905, Iqbal enrolled at Trinity College, Cambridge, while also joining Lincoln’s Inn to study law. Later, he moved to Germany, where at Munich University he wrote his doctoral thesis “The Development of Metaphysics in Persia” and received his PhD in Philosophy in 1907.

During his stay in Europe, Iqbal was closely associated with eminent scholars like Professor Nicholson and Professor Brown. Nicholson later translated Iqbal’s Persian work Asrar-e-Khudi into English, bringing him recognition in Western literary circles.

Iqbal also developed strong friendships with European philosophers and scholars, but despite appreciating certain aspects of Western knowledge, he remained critical of Western materialism and moral decline. His experiences deepened his vision of Islamic revival and the unity of the Muslim Ummah.

In 1908, he was called to the Bar and returned to India the same year.

Criticism of Western Civilization

Iqbal admired Western scientific achievements but strongly criticized its materialism and moral shortcomings. He believed blind imitation of the West was dangerous for Muslim societies. While acknowledging positive aspects of Western thought, he emphasized that true guidance for humanity lay in the spiritual and moral framework of Islamic civilization.

Teaching, Law, and Social Services

On his return, Iqbal briefly resumed teaching at Government College, Lahore, but soon devoted himself to law practice and literature. Alongside his legal career, he became deeply involved in educational, cultural, and political organizations.

He maintained strong ties with Anjuman-e-Himayat-e-Islam, delivered reformative lectures, and wrote poetry that awakened a new consciousness among Indian Muslims. His work inspired a sense of unity, dignity, and revival among Muslims of the subcontinent.

In recognition of his services, the British government conferred on him the title of “Sir” in 1922.

Death

Allama Iqbal suffered from prolonged illness in his later years. He passed away on 21 April 1938 (20 Safar 1357 AH) at his residence, Javed Manzil in Lahore. He was buried beside the Badshahi Mosque, Lahore, where his mausoleum today stands as a symbol of his enduring legacy.