Iqbal and Kashmir: Philosophy, Poetry, and Battle for Identity

Imagine a young Kashmiri, sitting by the Jhelum River, flipping through an old, worn book of Iqbal’s Javaid Nama. Each line feels like a whispered secret, urging him to understand something deeper. As he reads about Khudi that fierce, inner self that Iqbal championed-he feels a quiet fire stir within him. Iqbal’s words do not just speak of freedom in the physical sense; they call for an awakening from within, a courage to own one’s identity and to strive for justice even when the path seems steep.

The struggle in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir is evident. School-going girls have picked up stones against the oppressors. The youth has become the front face of the freedom struggle. The verses of Iqbal ignited a spirit in Kashmir that transcended time. His words inspired generations to embrace their Khudi in the face of adversity. Iqbal’s poetry became a beacon. It urged Kashmiris to reclaim their identity and resist oppression with unwavering resolve.

The Role of Iqbal and Kashmir in the Struggle for Identity

In every phase of revolution, there are certain words that play a significant role in awakening the spirit of freedom in people. In the case of South Asia, the credit attributed to Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal. He was of Kashmiri descent, his ancestors moved to Sialkot from Kashmir in the late 17^th century. One of his ancestors, Sheikh Saleh Muhammad, was the well-known Shaykhs of Kashmir. He was a member of the Kashmiri Pandits’ “Supro” cast. Allama Iqbal, a great leader and son of the soil, contributed back to the land of his forefathers in a huge way by raising awareness among Kashmiris. He made significant contributions as a thinker, philosopher, and poet. Iqbal’s affection towards Kashmir is evident in his poems,

Tanam Gulai Zi Khayanban-e-Jannat-e-Kashmir,
Dil Az Hareemi Hejaze Nawa Ze Sheeraz Ast!

(My body comes from the earthly paradise of Kashmir;
my heart belongs to the holy land of Hijaz, and my song to Shiraz.)

Iqbal’s Deep Connection to Kashmir

Known as the spiritual father of Pakistan, Iqbal was the driving force behind the two-nation theory, which ultimately led to the creation of Pakistan on August 14, 1947. His contributions, however, were not confined to aspiring for a separate land for the Muslims of the Indian Subcontinent. He worked to protect their rights, as enshrined in his famous Allahabad address. Moreover, Iqbal was also a leading figure in the Kashmir struggle. Just as he infused the spirit of freedom in Pakistan’s struggle through his poetry, he also ignited a flame of revolution in the people of Kashmir. Indeed, he was greatly influenced by Kashmiri figures such as the King of the Shamiri dynasty, Sultan Shahab-ud-Din, the great Sufi saint Syed Ali Hamdani, and Ghani Kashmiri.

Allama Iqbal’s writings amply demonstrated his deep affection for Kashmir and its oppressed people. Iqbal’s literary and political remarks make it abundantly evident that the terrible state of Kashmir during the Dogra dynasty had a significant influence on his work. During his first visit to Kashmir in June 1921, he noticed smoke and fire emanating from the blackened Chinar trees in Nishat garden. After witnessing the suffering and tribulations of Kashmiris, his heart pounded. He was meant to travel here only to attend legal matters, but after spending around two weeks, the hardships of his ancestral nation melted his heart. At that time, various problems and self-governing people had taken over Kashmir, leaving it with no friends or allies. Only the gloomy and despicable state of Kashmir was visible to him. After observing this situation, Iqbal prayed;

(O butler! So a drop of this wine fell on the heart of Kashmiri,
From which sparks are created from its wet soil (insensitive soul).

Resistance Against Oppression

The Amritsar Treaty marked the beginning of Dogra rule in Kashmir, opening a new chapter of brutal atrocities against Kashmiri Muslims. Numerous national and international authors have documented these atrocities. In Javed Namah, Allama Iqbal also addressed the League of Nations while grieving the Treaty of Amritsar (16March1846)

Baad Sabah Agar Beh, Geneva Guzar Kuni.
Hurfi Zama, Majlis Aqwaam Baazgo.
Dehkaan, Kasht Wa, Jo Wa Khaya Ban Farokhand
Quoomay Farokhand, Wa Chi Arzaa Farokhand!

(Zephyr if you should pass over Geneva, Speak a word of me to the League of nations
They have sold farmers corn, fields, rivers, and gardens, they have sold a people, and at a price how cheap)

A Poet’s Love for His Ancestral Land

Since his time as a student in Lahore, Iqbal has actively opposed the terrible situation of the Kashmiris under Dogra rule. He was appointed as the General-Secretary of the Anjuman-e-Kashmiri Musalmanan-e-Lahore, and he frequently submitted both anonymous and signed articles to Kashmir Magazine. He urged the Kashmiris to unite “like the letters (k, sh, m, and r) of the word Kashmir” in one of his poems.

The resistance to the cruel Dogra rule stoked Iqbal’s poetry. Sheikh Abdullah was impressed by Iqbal the first time they met in Islamia College, Lahore, in 1925. Allama Iqbal wrote progressive poems for recitation at the meetings of Kashmir Anjumans, which Sheikh Abdullah attended. Those poems had made a great impression in the awakening and transformation of Kashmir. Sheikh Abdullah attended all of the meetings and had talks with Iqbal in Lahore when he addressed at the Anjuman-e-Himayat-i-Islam’s annual sessions. Abdullah recounted in his final public address: “Iqbal traveled to Kashmir in the start of this century, when poverty and ignorance were rampant. At this point in my life, my thoughts transformed into a fire of sacrifice and effort when he prayed to God to kindle the flame of revolution”.

Iqbal’s Vision for Kashmir

Allama Iqbal undoubtedly dedicated his life to achieving the political and economic freedom of Kashmir. The situation of Kashmiris profoundly affected Iqbal. They endure extreme poverty, exploitation, persecution, and a lack of education. It also deeply damaged his spirit. Iqbal had always envisioned the oppressed Kashmiris as a noble and respectable people.

Iqbal’s poem about Kashmir from his last book, “Armughaan-e Hijaaz,” released in 1938, after his demise. It is noteworthy that his foresightedness at the time was able to predict what is currently happening in Kashmir.

Aaj Woh Kashmir Hai Mahkoom-o-Majboor-o-Faqeer
Kal Jise Ahl-e-Nazar Kahte Thay Iran-e-Sagheer

(Today, Kashmir is completely oppressed, despised, impoverished, and powerless.
Which the learned and wise referred to as little Iran until yesterday.)

Iqbal and Kashmir Today: A Continuing Struggle

Iqbal’s foresight about Kashmir’s fate mirrors the contemporary issues faced by Kashmiris under the current Modi regime. Repressive policies such as the revocation of Article 370, bulldozer politics, cow vigilantism, and hate politics have further marginalized the Kashmiri Muslims.

Iqbal supported Kashmiri Muslims until his death and was a supporter of Kashmiris throughout the entire Kashmiri freedom movement. Iqbal spoke up against Dogra atrocities on behalf of the Kashmiri. The Maharaja of Kashmir forbade Iqbal from entering the Kashmir Valley due to Iqbal’s constant calls for the Kashmiri people to unite and fight for their right to freedom. Iqbal’s contributions to Kashmir are remarkable, his poetry turned the subservient slaves into courageous freedom fighters. It became common practice to chant specific Iqbal passages during public rallies and gatherings. Iqbal had a strong desire to travel to Kashmir in his last years, but his wish was never realized. However, his message is one that every Kashmiri could cherish:

Jis Khaak K Zameer Mein Hai Aatish Chinar
Mumkin Nahi Hai Ki Sarad Ho Woh Khaaki Arjumand

(The soil that holds the plane tree’s fire inside its bosom: This lofty earth can never be cold and lifeless.)

Iqbal and Kashmir remain intrinsically connected, as his poetry continues to guide the struggle for freedom, identity, and justice in the region.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own. They do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of the South Asia Times.

Syeda Tahreem Bukhari

Syeda Tahreem Bukhari is a Research Officer at the Centre for International Strategic Studies-AJK. She holds an MPhil in Peace and Conflict Studies from National Defence University, Islamabad, and is an alumni of NESA. She also serves as an Ambassador for the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP).

Saba Ghulam Nabi

Saba Ghulam Nabi is a Research Officer at the Center for International Strategic Studies-AJK. She is an MPhil Scholar in Kashmir Studies from AJK University, Muzaffarabad.