ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

INTRODUCTION Sir Muhammad Iqbal (1877-1938), was a famous poet and philosopher of the Indian sub-continent. His poetry in Urdu and Persian is considered to be among the greatest of the modern era, and he is commonly known as Allama Iqbal. Two of his poems “Shikwa”, published in 1909, and Jawab-e-Shikwa in 1913 draws attention towards the present state of Muslim community.  The poem Shikwa is a complaint from the poet, that God has stopped showering his blessings on Muslims, resulting in their decline. Jawab-e Shikwa is written as the answer from God, in which Allama Iqbal argues convincingly, that God has not broken his promise; instead it is the Muslims, who have turned away from the Path of the Prophet (PBUH). There are 31 stanzas in Shikwa and 36 in Jawab e shikwa.  This is a marvellous piece of literature from Allama Iqbal. I felt there is a need to translate it for the benefit of all, and Alhamdulillah I could complete this work and present it before you. This is not a word to wor