Dr Muhammad Khan
THE most critical thinking Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal developed during his studies in Europe was the western imperialism in South Asia and elsewhere in Asia and African continents. In his visualization, Iqbal established that, imperialists first destroy the uniqueness of their subservient countries and regions. India was a classic example before Iqbal, where he found the British imperialism working well against the local’s culture, religion and identity. Iqbal opines that, in the next phase, the imperialist powers demolish the identity of those countries and then ruled them persistently without any resistance. Besides, Iqbal clearly conceived that, after subjugation of these countries and regions, the imperial powers ‘robbed them of their religion, literature, and cultural traditions’. Indeed, Iqbal had the feelings of this type of British imperialism and subjugation of India; therefore he started thinking towards a workable way forward. Since the British imperialism turned into colonialism had totally reversed the pre-1857 order of Sub-continent, thus it was not possible to restore the old order. Under the prevailing hostile British colonial order, Iqbal started thinking on new opportunities and options to come out from the existing British colonialism. Since British East India Company had snatched the power from Muslims therefore, they were the worst exploited class in Subcontinent. Moreover from 1857 to the first quarter of 20th century, the British colonialism had sufficiently promoted and empowered the Hindus community in Subcontinent, who further suppressed the Muslims. For the Muslims of subcontinent the situation was very grim and unfavourable. Besides, the western form of the rule was supportive to majority population therefore, Iqbal could envisioned yet another subjugation of Muslim at the hands of Hindu, if at Britain decides to end its colonialism at some stage.
These ground realities and emerging order in the Indian Subcontinent compelled Iqbal to reconcile his composite Indian nationalism. In fact, along with other senior Muslim leaders of that time, Iqbal was the greatest advocate of united India, free from British colonialism. Upon his return from Europe Iqbal abandoned the “concept of composite Indian nationalism and adopted Muslim Nationalism. He also carved out his views on Islamic universalism. He believed that European concept of nationalism cannot be applied to India.” He also believed that, there will be no end to Muslim exploitation under Hindu rule too. After establishment of All India Muslim League in 1906, there have been many efforts for the reconciliation between Hindus and Muslims at the level of their political forums and even political leadership. Since the Hindu leadership was not ready for any reconciliation and recognition of Muslims of India as a separate nation despite decade of efforts, therefore, Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal gave the idea of a separate Muslim state. In his Presidential address at 25th Annual Session of All India Muslim League at Allahabad in December 1930 Dr Muhammad Iqbal, envisioned a separate state for the Muslims of India. Thereafter, till 1947 nobody thought of such a breakthrough (Pakistan becoming a reality) in a short span of time. It was the dedication and consistent struggle of our forefather, which gave us a country with immense potentials and excellent human beings.
Unfortunately, we lost half of our motherland in the first twenty-five years of our history. It was result of a deviation from the basic concept of ideology, integration and cohesion, forgetting the golden principle of; unity, faith and discipline. Today, after seven decades of our independence, we still need a national integration and cohesion among the larger Pakistani society for a better and secure future of over 210 million Pakistanis. National integration is the process of achieving harmony, devising a common identity and a national consciousness among the masses and constituent units of a state. It is a psychological and educational process for the development of common feeling of unity, solidarity and cohesion. To achieve national integration, the factors like; religion, language, culture, tribes, casts and ethnicity though play significant role, yet need harnessing under a single factor; the nationalism. The creation of Pakistan, though propelled by ideological factor, yet Pakistan has people from other religions, who lived in harmony with the Muslim for decades now. Indeed, people from all religions, casts, creeds, different ethnic backgrounds have worked together for a cohesive society and a harmonious state. Indeed, after its independence in 1947, there has never been a crisis, based on religions or ideologies. The ethnicity at times and indeed misuse of religion by non-state actors did create problems for the state and society of Pakistan. While interpreting the vision of Iqbal for Pakistan, we need lot of foresight and prudence. Iqbal’s idea of Pakistan was not limited to achieve a state only, but a state where Golden ideologies of Islam could be experienced. Promotion of national harmony and integration through good governance should be the essence of his vision. The issues like timely provision of justice, education facilities and health facilities are most important to be addressed on priority. Through good governance, these crucial aspects can be tackled, to end the social unrest prevailing in Pakistani society. There is a strong need to adopt the people’s centric approach and a merit based system achieved through competence and justice. Pakistan is the blessing of Allah Almighty therefore, let’s respect this blessing. Besides, let’s pay homage to our forefathers who conceived the idea of Pakistan and made it a reality for us.
— The writer is Professor of Politics and IR at International Islamic University, Islamabad.
