As the nation commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr. Muhammad Iqbal on November 9, Pakistanis across the country pay tribute to the visionary poet and philosopher whose intellectual contributions laid the foundation for an independent Muslim state in South Asia.
The Architectural Vision Behind Pakistan
Allama Iqbal awakened the political consciousness of Muslims in British India, articulating the necessity for a separate homeland where they could practice their faith freely and escape economic marginalization. His philosophical framework eventually found political expression through Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah's leadership, culminating in Pakistan's creation on August 14, 1947.
Tragically, Iqbal did not witness the realization of his dream, having passed away nine years earlier on April 21, 1938. His final resting place lies adjacent to the historic Badshahi Masjid in Lahore, where he continues to be revered by generations of Pakistanis.
Javed Manzil: Preserving Iqbal's Legacy
The story of Javed Manzil offers fascinating insights into Iqbal's personal life. In 1934, while residing in a rented house on McLeod Road, he purchased seven kanals of land through an open auction in Mauza Garhi Shahu. The construction of the house, built in his son Javed's name, cost Rs 42,025 and became his residence in May 1935.
Demonstrating his meticulous nature, Dr. Iqbal formally rented three front rooms from his son for Rs 50 monthly. The original rental agreement (karaya namah) remains preserved at the Iqbal Museum, showcasing his habit of documenting even personal transactions with precision.
During his years at Javed Manzil, Iqbal hosted numerous distinguished visitors, including Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Fatima Jinnah in 1936. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru also visited, maintaining deep admiration for Iqbal despite their political differences. These productive years were marred by personal tragedy when Sardar Begum, Iqbal's wife, passed away just days after they moved into their new home on May 24, 1935.
From Residence to National Museum
Allama Iqbal was born on November 9, 1877, to Sheikh Noor Muhammad in a Kashmiri family residing in Kashmiri Mohallah. The family home, Iqbal Manzil, had been purchased by his grandfather Sheikh Muhammad Rafique in 1861. His birth date received official confirmation from the National Committee for Birth Centenary Celebrations established by Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
Following the committee's recommendation to convert Javed Manzil into a national museum, Justice (retired) Dr. Javed Iqbal agreed to sell the property and his father's personal belongings to the government for Rs 3.5 million during General Zia-ul-Haq's era. The federal government took possession in December 1977, with Japanese engineers overseeing renovations before its formal inauguration as the Iqbal Museum on December 2, 1977.
The museum underwent significant improvements and was re-inaugurated in December 1984. During General Pervez Musharraf's administration, approximately 50 artifacts were temporarily transferred to Islamabad's National Monuments Museum, where they remain well-displayed for visitors unable to travel to Lahore.
Before settling in Javed Manzil, Dr. Iqbal resided in various locations throughout Lahore, including the upper floor of Attar Chand Kapur's bookshop in Anarkali, a McLeod Road residence, and a house inside Bhati Gate. These often-overlooked details help scholars trace the intellectual and personal journey of the man who shaped Muslim political consciousness in South Asia.
Today, November 9 is officially observed as Iqbal Day, marked by ceremonial guard changes at his mausoleum, scholarly symposiums, and cultural events. His death anniversary on April 21 is similarly commemorated with national reverence.
For researchers and admirers, the Iqbal Museum remains an essential destination, preserving manuscripts, personal correspondence, clothing, books, and household items that offer intimate glimpses into the life of a philosopher whose legacy continues to inspire generations.
