Iqbal, Saadi remain source of inspiration, say scholars

Seminar discusses philosophy of Khudi and contemporary Muslim thought

The ECO Cultural Institute (ECI) in collaboration with Pakistan’s Embassy in Tehran organised an international seminar on "Philosophy of Khudi in the poetry of Iqbal" at the institute.

Prominent Iranian and Pakistani scholars, poets, academics, students and media persons attended the seminar.

ECI President Muhammad Mehdi Mazaheri paid rich tributes to Iqbal and Saadi and said that poetry and philosophy of both are still a great source of guidance for the whole world. He called Iqbal poet of future and said that both the poets gave message of improvement in society.

In her introductory remarks, Pakistani Ambassador Riffat Masood appreciated the reaserach work being done by Iranians on the philosophy of Iqbal.

She said both Iqbal and Saadi worked for the awakening of society in their own styles leading to sufism. Their poetry has no precedent in the world.

Scholar and academic Qasim Safi elucidated the concept of Khudi through poems of Iqbal and said that his philosophy is imperative for Muslims.

Allama Iqbal Council, Islamabad, Chairman Zulfiqar Cheema, in his keynote speech, said that Iqbal was well aware of the challenges being faced by the Muslim world and through his poetry he gave a divine message of unity and Khudi to the Muslims of the world.

He said Iqbal awakened the Muslims from deep slumber, galvanised them and transformed a directionless crowd into a vibrant nation.

Calling Iqbal Hakimul Ummat, Cheema said that Iqbal believed in struggle.

He urged Muslims to follow Iqbal's message as true prescription for the ills of Muslims around the globe. 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 19^th, 2019.