Allama Iqbal was a philosopher, poet, and politician who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Urdu literature. Born in Sialkot, India in 1877, Iqbal's poetry often explored themes of spirituality, Islamic philosophy, and the struggles of the Muslim community in India. He is perhaps best known for his concept of the "Khudi" or the "Self," which emphasized individualism and the need for self-discovery in order to achieve greatness. Iqbal's poetry continues to be widely read and appreciated in South Asia and beyond, and his political activism played a significant role in the establishment of Pakistan as a separate nation for Muslims in 1947. His contributions to Urdu literature and his role in the establishment of Pakistan have earned him the title of "Mufakkir-e-Pakistan" (The Thinker of Pakistan).
