On Pakistan Independence Day, we feature the “Anthem of the Muslim Community” – a poem by Allama Muhammad Iqbal which emphasises Islam above nationalism.
Written in 1910, it reflects Iqbal’s belief in pan-Islamism, emphasising the unity of the global Muslim Ummah under the values and teachings of Islam, with the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as its leader.
This poem marks a shift from his earlier work which celebrated a unified Indian identity. In the poem Iqbal prioritises a global Islamic identity over nationalism, aligning with his support for the Muslim League and the Pakistan Movement.
Iqbal’s poem is a rallying cry, urging Muslims to rise and continue their journey with the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as their guide.
English translation of the Urdu poem
China is ours, Arabia is ours, India is ours,
We are Muslims and the whole world is our homeland,
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The treasure of tawhid is in our hearts,
It is not easy to wipe out our name and mark,
The first house we have liberated from idols is the Ka’abah,
We are its custodians, and it is our protector,
We have grown up in the shadows of swords,
Our mascot is the crescent shaped dagger,
Our prayer calls have reverberated in the valleys of the west,
The force of our flow could not be stopped by anyone,
O the skies! We will not be subdued by falsehood,
You have tried (our steadfasteness) a hundred times!
O, the garden of Andalusia! do you remember those days
When our abode was the nest on your branches?
O, the waves of Tigris! surely, you recognise us?
Your river tells our tales even to this day,
O, the pure soil of Makkah! We have bled and died for your honour,
Our blood flows in your veins until now,
The leader of our caravan, is the Prince of Hijaz (Muhammad),
It is his name that keeps our heart in comfort and peace.
Iqbal’s song is a clarion call,
For the caravan to rise and continue the journey once more.
