Iqbal’s death anniversary falls on 21 April. Ever since his death in 1938 this day is observed to recall Iqbal’s wholesome message. From the point of view of that message, the most suitable appellation for him would be ‘a dedicated advocate of the unity of Muslim Ummah’. This passion kept him restless throughout his life and often gave him sleepless nights. He shed tears of blood on seeing Muslims states, particularly the Arabs, play in the shrewd hands of the enemies of Islam. With heart-piercing anguish he bewailed:
Mata-i qafila-e ma Hijazian burdand
Walay zaban ne kushaiee ki yar-i ma Arabist
The merchandise of our caravan has been lifted away by none other than the Hijazies,
But forbear to open lips as our Beloved (SAW) is Arabi.
Today the scenario is as agonizing as it was in his day. We translate below a few verses, from Mathnavi Pas Chi Bayed Kard, which he addressed to the Arabs. These verses seem so pertinent as if they were written for the present occasion:
You were a single nation but fell apart into nationalities;
Your well-knit unity you tore to sheer confusion.
Whoever breaks free of the bond of selfhood is doomed to die:
Whoever joins hands with alien forces is doomed to die.
Aunchi tu ba kheesh kardi kes na kard
Ruh-i pak-e Mustafa aamed bedard
None has ever done to his self as you have done,
And this has caused untold pain to the holy soul of Mustafa (SAW).
O you, who have unconsciously fallen to the spell of the Frank,
Open your eyes and see the torrent of mischiefs up his sleeve;
His diplomacy has rendered nations helpless
And torn to shreds the unity of the Arabs.
Lift the veil from your eyes and look around you
And rekindle your body with the soul of Umar (RA). 

Lastupdate on : Thu, 19 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 IST