There are more than 110 million speakers of Persian in the whole world. It is the official language of Iran and its two famous dialects, Tajik and Dari are the official languages of Tajikistan and Afghanistan, respectively. It is more than 3000 years old. This means that it has gone through various changes and many of its dialects are dead as well as many are born. This factor brings variety to the Persian language, sometimes also termed Farsi by its native speakers.
This short read discusses the biggest influence on Persian literature by none other than the poet of the East, Allama Muhammad Iqbal. The translations of his Persian books by professional Farsi translation services are the reason that his effect is not only visible in Persian literature but also in poetry lovers all over the world.
Who is Allama Iqbal?
Allama Iqbal is one of those personalities that doesn’t need an introduction, people already know a lot about them. The reason for Iqbal’s fame is his work which has influenced and keeps on influencing the people who are associated with his works. His real name is Muhammad Iqbal. He was given the title of “Allama” for his contributions to Urdu and Farsi Literature. Allama means “very knowing”.
As Iqbal was a prolific speaker of Persian, he used to write in the Persian language. While he was in London, he used to write Persian poetry to express his thoughts and feelings. And this is where he came up with his most influential and eye-opening pieces of poetry. Furthermore, he cemented his status as the most prolific Persian poet, because of his excellent grasp of the Persian language. You know he had his Doctorate Degree in “The Development of Metaphysics in Persia” from Germany?
Iqbal’s Profound Effect on the World
The effect of Iqbal’s poetry is not only present in Persia or Pakistan but all over the world. Though Iqbal is the national poet of Pakistan, whatever he wrote, the inspiration and the driving force behind that was the Western culture. It is because the Western culture showed Iqbal the lack of his own religion which later Iqbal came to rectify.
It is Iqbal’s poetry that transcends language barriers and reaches the hearts of people. The primary effect of Iqbal’s poetry is evident on the Muslim countries. The pan-Islamic vision of Iqbal is the reason behind Arabic translation services that urge Arab Muslims to read Iqbal’s Persian poetry.
Impact of Allama Iqbal on the Persian Literature
Despite the influence of Iqbal on the whole world, the major effect of Iqbal’s poetry is evident in Persian literature. Iqbal is not the poet of Persia but Persians take pride in associating themselves with him.
Evolution of the Persian Poetry
Before Iqbal, Persian literature had its significant share of prolific poets such as Hafeez, Rumi, and Saadi. Iqbal wasn’t the one who introduced Persian to poetry and its magnificence. However, it is Iqbal who showed the concepts of “Bekhudi” and love and mysticism. The works of Rumi and Saadi inspired Iqbal and this is what brought him to write spectacularly.
Iqbal’s poetry also contains his philosophical ideas that are the sole result of his take on life.
The Concept of Khudi
Iqbal’s first Persian poetry book “Israr-e-Khudi” describes the concept of Iqbal’s Khudi in detail. The concept of Iqbal’s Khudi dates back to the original sin which he often negates in his poetry by describing the human creation as a marvel of Allah, not because of a sin that led to the downfall of Adam and Eve.
Iqbal’s Khudi consists of three stages that are on a spiritual level, Self-Control (Zabt-e-Nafs), Obedience (Ita’at), and Divine Vicegerency (Niyabat-e-Ilahi). These three stages consist of the iman of a Momin. All the concepts of Iqbal directly relate to Islam. This is why you will find a massive use of Persian translation services that translate Iqbal’s poetry into English for global English-speaking audiences.
Anchored the Roots of Patriotism
It is because of Iqbal that you will notice that Islamic states are more patriotic than Western states. It is because patriotism in Islamic countries doesn’t just mean loving one’s country. The concept of patriotism is infused with religion that brings more coherence, unity, and integrity among the people.
Persian Metaphysics and Mysticism
Iqbal’s Doctorate degree is in “The Development of Metaphysics in Persia”. The use of symbolic language and imagery in Persian metaphysical poetry is the most notable characteristic of Iqbal’s poetry. For example, the use of Shaheen and Mehr carries deep and significant meaning that is difficult for a layman to understand.
Effect of Iqbal on the Future Generations
There are different courses in universities and colleges worldwide where students focus on the world of Iqbal and the ideology behind his works. For example, the Arabs pay remarkable attention to Iqbal poetry books which are a regular part of their curriculum. Arabic language translation of Iqbal’s poetry leads to the contribution of a broader literary discourse.
Final Words!
Iqbal is a living legend. The effect he has on, especially the literary community, is beyond words. The effects of his poetry are still present in Persian literature. His Persian poetry contains the essence of Iqbal’s metaphysical poetry. He is responsible for depicting what true patriotism is. To sum up, Iqbal has influenced people all over the world with his vivid imagery and symbolic use of language.
