The National Book Foundation (NBF), operating under the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, held an academic and intellectual event in Islamabad to commemorate the 149th birth anniversary of poet and philosopher Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal. The gathering, titled “Iqbal’s Message to the Ummah and the Youth,” took place at the Ahmad Faraz Auditorium at the NBF headquarters.
Renowned researcher and educationist Dr Aziz Ali Najam delivered the keynote lecture, where he described Iqbal as a great thinker and the architect of Pakistan's intellectual foundations rather than just a poet. Najam stated that Iqbal’s philosophy inspires people to recognize their true identity, develop strong character, and face challenges through practical struggle. He emphasized that because humans are the Ashraf-ul-Makhluqat (the noblest of creation), they must understand their purpose and use their abilities constructively.
Najam referenced Iqbal’s works, including Bang-e-Dra, Bal-e-Jibril, and Armaghan-e-Hijaz, to highlight messages of Muslim unity and self-awareness. He observed that while Iqbal studied Western thinkers, his foundations remained rooted in Islamic teachings, the Qur’anic concept of life, and Eastern spiritual traditions. Najam also detailed the spiritual relationship between Iqbal and Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi, identifying Rumi as Iqbal’s spiritual mentor and intellectual inspiration. To illustrate this, Najam recited the couplet: “Pir-e-Rumi khaak ra ikseer kard Az ghubaaram jalwah-ha ta’meer kard”.
The event concluded with a presentation of the poem “Na Tu Zameen Ke Liye Hai Na Aasmaan Ke Liye” performed by artist Hina Nasrullah.
Chief guest Major General (Retd.) Muhammad Tahir addressed the audience regarding the philosophies of Iqbal and Rumi, as well as the importance of moral character and positive thinking. He referenced his own book, Books That Changed My Life, which explores thinkers from Socrates to Bertrand Russell, alongside Iqbal and Rumi. Tahir urged the younger generation to develop their personalities through reading quality books and intellectual pursuits.
NBF Managing Director Dr Kamran Jahangir spoke on the significance of Iqbal Day, stating that Iqbal’s message remains exceptionally important for the nation's moral and national guidance.
The event was attended by various scholars and representatives from academic and literary circles, including Kaukab Qabool, Shazia Shakeel, Dr Sadaf Irtaza, Dr Irum Hayat, Munazza Bashir, Shabnam Tauqeer, Farhat Sultana, Dr Raheema Rehman, and Gul Naz.
