Aligarh : Experts discussed the vision of poet, philosopher, and legal luminary Sir Muhammad Iqbal’ s interpration of Islamic jurisprudence in a webinar on ‘Legal Philosophy of Sir Muhammad Iqbal (Allama Iqbal)’ organised by the Law Society, Faculty of Law, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
“Iqbal’s poems, political contributions, and academic and scholarly research are widely admired, but seldom people know about his contributions to law and Islamic thoughts,” said the Chief Guest, Dr Abdul Haq (Professor Emeritus, University of Delhi).
He pointed out that Iqbal was practising law before devoting himself to literary works. He appeared in both civil and criminal cases and there are numerous cases which he won.
“Legal terms such as Daleel (Argument), Gawah (Witness), Insaaf (Justice) and Huqooq (Rights) feature frequently in Iqbal’s poetic expressions because of his law background,” said Prof Haq.
Suggesting AMU to constitute a Chair in Allama Iqbal’s name, Prof Haq stressed the need to study Iqbal’s legal works.
“Iqbal was closely connected to AMU and suggested the teaching of both new and old laws at the university during his life time,” said Prof Saud Alam Qasmi (Faculty of Theology).
Speaking as the Chief Speaker, Prof Qasmi also spoke of Iqbal’s closeness with Sir Ross Masood and how he praised Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and the Aligarh Movement.
In the inaugural address, AMU Pro Vice Chancellor, Prof Zahiruddin said that Allama Iqbal wrote in both Urdu and Persian and is greatly admired by people of Indian sub-continent and international scholars.
Presiding over the webinar, Prof Shakeel Samdani, Dean, Faculty of Law and President, Law Society emphasised that Allama Iqbal was well versed in Islamic philosophies, Indian philosophies as well as western philosophies. He was fundamentally a humanist.
“He was a human rights activist, who ardently spoke about fundamental rights, freedom of expressions, labour rights, compulsory education and patriotism,” said Prof Samdani.
He added: Allama Iqbal, is best remembered in India as the man who penned one of the most patriotic songs ever written, ‘Saare Jahan Se Achha Hindustan Humara’.
“Iqbal’s poetry was based on social justice and over 4500 books in all major languages have been written on Allama Iqbal,” said Prof Samdani.
Prof M Asharf welcomed the guest; while MBBS student, Ayesha Samdani discussed the role played by Iqbal’s parents in his upbringing.
Ayesha Nasir Alavi conducted the programme and Abdullah Samdani extended the vote of thanks. People from 15 countries attended the webinar.
