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.
Fakhr-ul-Islam. (2018) ALLAMA IQBAL AND THE AFGHANS, Pakistan , Volume 54, Issue 1.
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