Allama Iqbal May Be In Guinness Book of World Records Soon

A Guinness World Records distinction is being sought for the longest series of lectures on legendary poet Allama Iqbal. The series of lectures titled ‘Iqbal Shinasi’ (meaning: Understanding Iqbal), commenced in October 1997 and are since then held every week in the Conference Hall of Masjid-e-Alia at Gun Foundry in Hyderabad.

Speaking at the two-day seminar organized to commemorate the occasion, senior High Court Advocate, who first instituted the series in 1997, said “Allama Iqbal is undoubtedly one of greatest poets of all time. He is loved by one and all, and even those who do not speak Urdu are proud of him for giving us “Saare Jahan se Acha..Hindustan Hamara..”

“Iqbal also wrote great poems on other religions including Hinduism and Sikhism”

“A thousand lectures on his works held regularly have no parallel with any other Urdu poet in the history. We will pursue the achievement to be recognized by Guinness World Record as it is an important and unprecedented achievement in Urdu literature, ” he said.

The thousandth lecture was held at Urdu Hall in Himayath Nagar on 12^th and 13^th October as part of two-day celebration organized to mark the occasion. Eminent literary personalities, noted poets, writers and academicians participated in the celebrations. Research papers were presented, famous couplets from Iqbal’s works resounded and people were filled in awe as experts provided insights on different works of Iqbal.

Muneer Iqbal, the grandson of legendary poet Allama Iqbal and son of Justice Iqbal expressed his gratitude and lauded the  efforts of Hyderabadis for organizing the lectures. The weekly lectures will continue be held regularly at conference hall, Masjid e Alia at Gun Foundry.

A compilation of research papers presented by scholars will be published soon, assured Mr. Yazdani consenting the proposition made by Dr MM Taqi Khan. “Iqbal is a universal poet. His works provide deep insights into the society that are relevant not even today but for eternity”, said experts.

“He was a revolutionary poet with reformist works. His Persian poetry was more popular internationally including Iran and other countries”, according to a scholar Dr Ayaz Shaik. Persian scholar Ali Shariyati once said “Iqbal is the essence of 1400 year old history of Islam.”

During the two day program, eminent educationists and literary personalities including  Prof Khaja Nasiruddin, Mr Ziauddin Nayyar, Dr Aqeel Hashmi, Prof Ashraf Rafi, Mr. Mujtaba Farooq, Prof Mohsin Osman Nadwi paid rich tributes to Allama Iqbal.

The first Mehfil e Iqbal Shinasi (Meaning: Sessions for Understanding Iqbal) on the topic ‘Iqbal and Thoughts of Iqbal’ was held on 18th October 1997 and was delivered by Mohammed Zaheeruddin Ahmed.

Allama Muhammed Iqbal is considered as one of the greatest Urdu poets of all time. Besides “Saare Jahan se Acha..Hindustan Hamara..”, “Shikwa” and “Jawaab-e-Shikwa” are some of his famous works.

During his lifetime, Iqbal visited Hyderabad thrice and even paid homage to the poet and founder of Hyderabad Moghal ruler Quli Qutub Shah during one of his visits.