ALLAMA IQBAL AND THE AFGHANS

Abstract

Allama Iqbal (1877-1938) had a tremendous love for Afghans. Afghans or Pakhtuns are exceedingly gratified about their national and racial traits. They love their homeland, religious and customary canons, ancestral values and independence. Opinions vary on their strict adherence to these individualisms. Some people are of the view that it is the result of consistent foreign invasions. On the other hand, some analysts opine that since they remained independent for ages, barring some occasional invasions by world forces, therefore they held these traits close to their hearts. Iqbal was certainly impressed by these peculiarities of Afghans, so he not only showered praises on that resilient race but also took some practical steps including paying visit to Afghanistan in 1933. He contributed both intellectually and financially to the independence and welfare of Afghans. He attached great hopes with the Afghans and considered peaceful Afghanistan a prerequisite for the tranquility of the entire Asia. At the same time he warned that if there is any turmoil in Afghanistan, it can engulf the whole continent. Iqbal fell in love with Afghans at a time when almost all the Muslim world was under the control of colonial powers, and Afghanistan stood up as independent Muslim state against them. Moreover, the bravery and attachment to Islamic values of Afghans fascinated him a lot. It is worth mentioning that the love of Iqbal was not only confined to Afghanistan. He had equal affection for the tribes of NWFP. He paid a visit to Peshawar once (1933) and thrice to Dera Ismael Khan (1899, 1901 and 1903). In Peshawar, his stay was short but in Dera Ismail Khan, he stayed for a couple of months. During all three visits to D.I.Khan, he stayed with Sardar Ahmad Khan Leghari, father of Sardar Abdur Rashid, the former Chief Minister of NWFP.1 In this paper, an attempt has been made to give an analysis of Allama Iqbal’s incredible love and affection for Afghans