Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Poet and philosopher Dr. Allama Mohammed Iqbal's message was not limited to Muslims of the subcontinent but in fact was for the whole Muslim world and others such that all could benefit from his poetry and philosophy said renowned Saudi intellectual, writer and ex-diplomat Dr. Ali Al-Ghamdi at a function organized by Pakistan Repatriation Council (PRC) on 78th death anniversary of Iqbal. Dr. Ali Ghamdi in his address paid rich tribute to Iqbal while making this statement. He referred to few renowned Arab Poets and philosophers who acknowledged Iqbal's contribution, starting with great Egyptian scholar Dr. Abdul Wadood Shalabi revealed that Iqbal was advised by his father to read Qur'an with the understanding that this was revealed on you, which gave him in depth understanding that's why his poetry is a reflection of Qur'an and Hadith. Another Egyptian Taha Hassan compared him with Abul Ala Al-Moaarri, a great poet and philosopher, while renowned Indian scholar Abul Hassan Nadwi too paid high tribute to Iqbal. Renowned Egyptian scholar Dr. Usman Ameen of Cairo University compared him with three great reformers namely Jamiluddin Afghani; Abdul Rahman Kawkabi of Syria and Mohammad Abdu of Egypt and said that Iqbal's message was much stronger. Dr. Ali Ghamdi said it is unfortunate that in Iqbal's Pakistan there are quarter of a million patriotic Pakistanis who could not get place in their homeland and are stranded in Bangladesh for 45 years. "I am sure if Iqbal would have lived today he would not have accepted this. I appeal to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to fulfill his promise to settle them in Pakistan as he did in his past tenures." Dr. Ali Ghamdi added. Other guests included Mohammed Ali Al-Ghamdi, Dr. Khursheed Ahmed, Dr. Tariq Cheema of KAAU, Mohammad Khalid Jawed of Pakistan Engineers Society. Mohammad Tayyab Mosani, general secretary Pakistan Memon Welfare Society (MWS), Maqbool ur Rahman Abbasi, senior member Pakistan Journalists Forum (PJF) Syed Naseeruddin, Wasim Imam, Aslam Tanweer, Owais Akram and Altafur Rahman of Engineers Welfare Forum (EWF), literary and community members Dr. Khursheed Ahmed, Dr. Tariq Cheema, Dr. Haroon Ahmed Khan, Dr. Mohammad Zubair, Sheikh Mohammad Luqman, Shamsuddin Altaf, Agha Mohammad Akram and others. Choudhry Mohammed Riaz Ghumman congratulated PRC for organizing event on Allama Iqbal and thanked Dr. Ghamdi for advocating the case of Kashmiris and stranded Pakistanis. "Dr. Allama Iqbal gave an identity to Muslims and guided us to reach a destination," Ghumman said, adding, that it is not possible to cover Iqbal's poetry, philosophy and message in a session. Mohammad Tayyab Mosani, secretary general MWS, read few verses in tribute to Allama Iqbal. He said that Iqbal's dream was fulfilled by Quaid-e-Azam but we failed to implement the objective of Pakistan. "Ignoring rights of stranded Pakistanis is also ignoring mission of Quaid and Iqbal," he added. Maqbool-ur-Rahman Abbassi senior member PJF praised PRC for organizing events on national poet. He said Iqbal's poetry from beginning to end are on Islamic values and not limited to Pakistan but for whole Muslim world. He said teachings of Iqbal should be part of syllabus in all schools; colleges and universities. He also reminded prime minister to complete repatriation and rehabilitation of stranded Pakistanis. Shamsuddin Altaf leader of Pakistan Peoples Community spoke initially in Arabic. He said that Iqbal's message is on Qur'an and Sunnah with four parts i.e. adherence to Qur'an, commitment (Khudee), Character, Action and these are basis of true Muslim. He said Allah does not change those who don't want to change themselves. He also urged government to arrange repatriation of Pakistanis from Bangladeshi camps. PRC's Mohammad Amanatullah praised Iqbal's' vision and said that our new generation is unaware about the true message of Iqbal so it is our government's duty to introduce his teachings from primary to university level. Mohammad Akram Agha spoke about Iqbal's life and said Iqbal was not only great poet and philosopher but a great person in his practical life. Sheikh Mohammad Luqman agreed with Amanatullah that our new generation should be taught more about Allama Iqbal in all levels of education. He said Iqbal is studied in Germany; Turkey and other countries but unfortunately he is not studied in Pakistan. Zareen Khan, leader of Jammu and Kashmir committee, paid rich tribute to Allama Iqbal and read his write up on him and highlighted Iqbal's active role in creation of Pakistan as an Islamic welfare state. Syed Ehsanul Haque, convener, thanked Dr. Ali Ghamdi, all the speakers, journalist, poets and guests for participating in Allama Iqbal day program. He said that all agree that Iqbal is not given due respect in Pakistan. And a comprehensive educational program to teach about Iqbal's mission to our new generation is needed. Earlier program started with recitation of verses from Quran by Qari Abdul Majeed, Naat by Sher Afzal. Dr. Tariq Cheema presented Kalam-e-Iqbal. Syed Mohsin Alavi and Zamurrad Khan Saifi presented poems.
