Allama Iqbal revered as a great thinker of the 21st century

 

LONDON: Rich tributes were paid to poet-philosopher Allama Dr. Muhammad Iqbal at the International Conference on ‘Iqbal in Europe Centenary’ on Tuesday with speakers terming his thoughts and philosophy as a blend of East and West and carrying universal appeal of love and brotherhood.

 

The theme of the conference organised by Iqbal Academy UK in conjunction with its Lahore-based fellow Academy was ‘Iqbal as a bridge between the East and the West’ and took place at the prestigious School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London.

 

The event was attended by a large audience which comprised university professors, students, scholars and educationists as well as general public.

 

In his video taped message screened on the occasion, Justice Javed Iqbal, spoke on the Principle of Ijtihad in Islam and noted that like many thinkers of his generation Allama Iqbal felt that Islam had suffered for centuries under an “intellectual paralysis” that had allowed the West to leave it behind.

 

Therefore, he said, the poet-philosopher called on the Muslims to approach modern knowledge with a respectful but independent attitude and to appreciate the teachings of Islam in the light of that knowledge.

 

Justice Javed Iqbal also mentioned the eight features of Iqbal’s vision of modern Islamic State with emphasis on welfare for its citizens by treating them equally irrespective of their race, religion or creed, imposition of tax on agricultural produce, protecting and providing industrial workers with minimum wages, protecting economic interest of the landless tenants, Adopting joint electorate to strengthen national integration and promoting free market economy without interest free banking.

 

Iranian scholar Dr. Reza Shah Kazemi spoke on ‘Iqbal and the question of Ecumenism’, examining both his prose writings and his poetic works bringing to light some of the salient characteristics of his view of the relationship between Islam and other religions.

 

Prof. Basit Koshul of the Lahore University of Management Sciences read his paper on ‘Iqbal and Western Thinkers’ and said his engagement with Western thinkers is sustained, deep and multidimensional. The Professor said Iqbal in his book ‘Reconstruction of Religious Thoughts’ noted that certain developments in modern science, philosophy and culture are de-humanizing.

 

“All in all, Iqbal’s engagement with the Western thinkers demonstrates that the encounter between East and West, tradition versus modernity and religious faith against secular academia can be mutually enriching and rejuvenating process rather than a conflictual and debilitating event.”

 

Italy’s Prof. Vita Salierno read a paper on ‘Iqbal’s visits to Europe: Dialogue between the East and the West’ and observed that fatherland occupied the central place in Iqbal’s mind and that religion plays a decisive factor in the making of a nation.

 

Prof Anwar Dil in his paper on ‘ Iqbal in Europe-Reflections on his mind’s journey’ offered insight in to some moments and events in poet-philosopher journey in search of knowledge and wisdom for the betterment of human life with focus on his three years of postgraduate studies and research in Europe.  Muhammad Suheyl Umar, Director, Iqbal Academy, Lahore, and Prof. Saeed Durrani, Chairman, Iqbal Academy, UK presented the vision statements and Prof. Christopher Shackle made the welcome address.

 

The British Peer Lord Nazir Ahmad spoke of Iqbal’s scholastic contributions across the religious divide and said his poetry served as a vehicle for his thought.

 

Durdana Ansari and Salman Asif rendered recitation from Iqbal’s poetry. Medallions were presented to the speakers by Dr. Mai Yamani daughter of Sheikh Ahmad Yamani, former Saudi Oil Minister at the conclusion.

 

 

Courtesy: APP

18 June 2008