Unit 2:(Iqbal's message to youth)

Pre-Reading:

                     Iqbal wants to see the qualities of an eagle(shaheen)in his young nation.What are the qualities of an eagle that makes it superior to other birds?

Reading:

Iqbal's message to youth:

                                             Iqbal is one of the most outstanding Muslim poets and philosopher of the Indian subcontinent. His intellectual genius has reigned supreme in the area of Islamic philosophy during the 20th century and will direct and influence the Islamic intellectual tradition in the 21 century as well. His sublime poetry and philosophy inspired millions of the muslims to wake up to the reality of time and forge a destiny for themselves. He was very much aware of the fact that if youth of the Ummah has structured their real destiny then they could have led the Muslim of sub-continent out of the pit of subjugation earlier than they did.Young generation is the standard bearer of any nation. If their energy is channelized in proper direction,it can being sea change in the social,political and economic fabric of the nation. Keeping this view in mind,Iqbal focussed on the creative energy of the youth in his poetry.Iqbal's Naujawan is Mard-e-Momin,Mujahid,shahen,an explorer,an adventurer,and seer,whoose aim is going higher and deeper like eagle (shaheen)to explore new world in uncharted waters of creativity and intellectual pursuit. The youth of Iqbal is a strong believer in ishq ,a creative and dynamic energy that helps the youth to discover and subdue new stars of originality and individuality. Moreover,Iqbal's Noujawan is a man of khudi .The absolute khudi is infinitely creative,"know thyself and success shall be thine ."Iqbal expresses if man becomes emperor of himself then he can lead the world in his own direction. And such a person can find out with his sagacity the pearl of future for the coming generation. 

But the youth of Iqbal is not contented with what he has created or invented.The spirit of "ishq",another name for perpetual struggle,spurs him to go beyond the star that he has discovered with his foresight .The motive of Iqbal's Youth is to pursue his intellectual and spiritual goals and then continue his journey beyond these goals.

The life of Iqbal's youth is dynamic and not confined to limited material achievements and enjoyment of it.He enjoys the creative journey of exploration,discovery,invention and innovation. 

The youth of Iqbal is a seer and he soars from his discovered star to new nova of brilliance and inspiration. 

These are the views of Iqbal about the youth of the nation. Iqbal wants to set higher benchmark for the new generation. He wants to inculcate in them the spirit of innovation and discovery,because youth are to lead and take the nation to the height of self-sufficient and independence. The youth of Iqbal is not a thinking Hamlet but a man of action,mild in speech but enthusiastic in action,whether he is in the company of friend,he is pure in head and heart. 

It can be concluded that youth was the main focus of Iqbal. He declares youth a symbol of hope and future of the nation. If young generation is ready to contribute to the progress and prosperity of the umma,the day is not far off when the whole Muslim community will rise as mighty power which no nation of the world will be able to subdue.