Allama Iqbal a legend among Muslims -Justice Minister

by Mohammed NAALIR

Allama Iqbal is a living legend in the minds of the people even-though he is no more, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Leader and Minister of Justice, Rauff Hakeem said.

Minister Hakeem noted that the messages of the fame and yeoman service rendered by Allama Iqbal has reached even the tiny hamlets in Sri Lanka.

Addressing the Allama Iqbal day celebrations and prize giving ceremony of Allama Iqbal day essay competition held in Sinhala, Tamil and English, Minister Hakeem said naming a village on Kantale Muttur road as Iqbal Nagar and another village as Asath Nagar are testimony to his legacy.

Allama Iqbal also won the first prize even in Tamilessay competition highlights his inborn talent.

Hakeem described Allama Iqbal as the philosopher of the 19th century.

Several books of Allama Iqbal have been translated in to various languages, Minister Hakeem added.

Addressing the event the Attorney General Mohan Peiris said that at the very outset Iqbal showed a remarkable leaning towards philosophy that had caught the attention of his teacher, Sir Arnold who took him to Cambridge University for higher education. Later went to Munich University in Germany from where he earned a PhD for his work on metaphysics.

Iqbal was a awakener of humanity. His message is universal and to the entire humanity. His rank among the immortals of history is unquestionable.

He holds the same place in the line of the world's greatest poets as has been held by Homer, Jalaludeen Rumi Dante, Shakespeare, Milton and Goethe. The poet of Iqbal is a contribution to human thought and an embodiment of definite mission that is noble innovating.

Addressing the event Counsellor Pakistani High Commission, Kaiser Chaudhary said that Allama Iqbal stressed the integrity not only in the country but also with every nations in the world.

He was not only a philosopher but also a politician and a social activist.

He played conspicuous service not only to literacy but also to politics, the Attorney General added.