Dr. Allamah Iqbal with Allamah Kashmiri (rahmatullahi alaihi)
Dr. Allamah Iqbal with Allamah Kashmiri (rahmatullahi alaihi)
Hadhrat Moulana Anwar Shah Kashmiri (rahmatullahi alaihi) once went to Lahore and stayed there for a considerable period of time. Hadhrat had many students in Lahore and they used to attend his gathering. Dr. Iqbal was still living at that time. Some of his friends told him: “Why don’t you also come?” He did not entertain much confidence in any aalim, hence he never frequented their gatherings. Then by chance, a very close friend said to him: “You are touring the entire world. What harm will there be if you go there?”
“Very well,” he relented and also attended the majlis.
Just as he sat in Hadhrat Shah Sahib’s (rahmatullahi alaihi) majlis, his mind was directed to the hadeeth wherein the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu anhum) explained that when they sat in Nabi’s (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) majlis, it was as though birds were perched on their heads. The slightest movement would have caused them to fly off. This meant that they used to sit with utmost respect and dignity. Looking around him, he saw the exact same scenario.
Everyone sat with great respect. While observing Hadhrat Shah Sahib’s majlis, he thought to himself that the majlis of Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) must have been conducted in this manner.
People asked various questions in Shah Sahib’s majlis and Shah Sahib (rahmatullahi alaihi) gave them a very in-depth answer. He would say that so and so has written this and he has erred because in a certain kitaab it has been recorded in this way and in another kitaab the matter is recorded like this and the author has actually misunderstood the situation. He would discuss the finer details of everything.
It was for this reason that Hadhrat Shah Sahib (rahmatullahi alaihi) was considered to be a ‘walking library’. Dr. Iqbal heard the different answers to the various questions. He returned for the next majlis. A question was posed regarding the creation of the world. In reply, Hadhrat Shah Sahib (rahmatullahi alaihi) recited one of his poems. Hearing his poetry, Dr. Iqbal realised that this is no ordinary person. Since Dr. Sahib himself was a very famous poet, he appreciated Shah Sahib’s knowledge.
He too, began asking questions. He asked regarding the definition of ‘zamaan – time’ and ‘makaan – place’. Shah Sahib (rahmatullahi alaihi) answered his questions. Dr. Iqbal then quoted Newton’s theory on the subject. Hadhrat Shah Sahib replied that whatever Newton had written was actually taken from a thesis prepared by Allamah Iraqi. Shah Sahib explained that in his opinion it was a deception by Newton not to have attributed this theory to Allamah Iraqi.
Dr. Iqbal then asked him who Allamah Iraqi was and where was the thesis that he had prepared. Shah Sahib (rahmatullahi alaihi) informed him that the thesis was in Deoband, which he later sent to him.
Dr. Iqbal posed various questions and Hadhrat Shah Sahib (rahmatullahi alaihi) gave him satisfactory answers to all of his objections. Thus, Dr. Sahib had now taken a great liking for Shah Sahib.
When Hadhrat Shah Sahib (rahmatullahi alaihi) noticed that Dr. Sahib had taken a special liking for him, he one day said to him, “Dr. Sahib, I am not pleased with you.” This was in reference to Dr. Sahib’s association with Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani’s ‘Jamaat-e-Ahmadi’.
Dr. Sahib was the secretary for the organization. Hadhrat Shah Sahib (rahmatullahi alaihi) detested this organisation and was infuriated with Ahmad Qadiani for criticising the Ambiyaa (alaihimus salaam) and reviling them. Ghulam Ahmad considered himself to be superior in status to the Ambiyaa (alaihimus salaam) as is apparent from his poem:
ابن مریم کے ذکر چھوڑو = اس سے بہتر غلام احمد ہے
Stop talking about Hadhrat Isa (alaihis salaam). Ghulam Ahmad is better than him.
These were the types of statements that he had uttered. He negated Khatm-e-Nubuwwat (finality of the prophethood of Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) and claimed prophethood for himself. Therefore, Shah Sahib (rahmatullahi alaihi) was naturally disinclined to him and his pseudo-organisation. Dr. Sahib understood what Shah Sahib meant. He immediately left his presence, resigned from the said organisation, repented and returned to Hadhrat Shah Sahib.
“Hadhrat!” he respectfully said, “That thorn which was causing you discomfort has been removed.”
Hadhrat Shah Sahib (rahmatullahi alaihi) focused his attention towards Dr. Iqbal, resulting in Dr. Sahib experiencing such a feeling in his heart which he was unacquainted with. He never imagined that such a feeling could be experienced. In relation to these experiences he composed the following poetry:
جلا سکتی ہے شمع کشتہ کو موج نفس ان کی الہی کیا بھرا ہوتا ہے اہل دل کے سینوں میں
نہ پوچھ ان خرقہ پوشوں کو ارادت ہو تو دیکھ انکو ید بیضا لئے بیٹھے ہیں اپنی آستینوں میں
تمنا درد دل کی ہے تو کر خدمت فقیروں کی نہیں ملتا یہ گوہر بادشاہوں کے خزینوں میں
The ecstasy and enjoyment of their souls are able to set alight the lamp of a lover.
O Allah! What is it that is concealed within the bosoms of the ahl-e-dil (pious)?
Don’t enquire regarding these ragged-clothed people; look at them if you really have the intention to do so.
They have assigned themselves to one spot whilst sitting with miracles tucked within their sleeves.
If it is your heart’s desire then serve the pious,
For you will never find these gems even in the treasures of the kings.
Since then, the direction of Dr. Sahib’s poetry took on a new path. He composed very strange poetry prior to this but now his poetry was in the mould of Moulana Rumi (rahmatullahi alaihi). He also started expounding on the topics that Moulana Rumi (rahmatullahi alaihi) had discussed. Whatever Dr. Sahib’s condition may have been, it is apparent from his poetry that he certainly had a very deep attachment and love for the personality of Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). One of his couplets is:
تو غنی از ہر دو عالم من فقیر روز محشر عذرھائے من پذیر
ایک اگر بینی حسابم ناگزیر از نگاہ مصطفی پنہاں بگیر
“O Allah! You are independent and I am a pauper. On the Day of Qiyaamah accept my excuses for my sins and shortcomings.
If you have to take an account from me, then do not do so in the presence of Nabi r.”
“Do not expose me to Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) because he might feel ashamed that from amongst his followers such an account is being taken.”
This was the calibre of his poetry.
This entire revolution in his life came about as a result of the company of Hadhrat Shah Sahib (rahmatullahi alaihi). But, alas! Today, in this modern society, we do not find the need for such company, and we do not regard it to be significant. Thus, we remain deprived of the special mercies of Allah Ta`ala.
