‘Javed Nama’ termed masterpiece of Allama Iqbal

PESHAWAR: Speakers at a literary session here on Wednesday termed “Javed Nama” (Book of Eternity) as a poetic and philosophical masterpiece of national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal which should be a must-read for students of literature.

The event was arranged by the Dosti Welfare Organisation and titled “Iqbal’s Javed Nama.”The organization works primarily to educate out-of-school children. However, it conducts literary and educational events as well to promote the culture of book reading, dialogue, and tolerance.

The session was attended by Iqbal lovers from different walks of life, including students, academicians and poets.Professor Syed Ghayur Hussain, a scholar of Persian language, academician and expert on Iqbal, was the chief guest.

Prof Aslam Mir, an authority on the poetry and philosophy of Iqbal, was among the speakers.Professor Ghayur said “Javid Nama” was a Persian book of poetry written by Muhammad Iqbal and published in 1932.

“The publication is a significant contribution to the literary traditions, as it explores themes of spirituality, self-realization, and the search for identity,” explained the scholar. “It is considered one of the masterpieces of Iqbal who is guided by Maulana Rumi,” said the literatus who has spent a major part of his life in teaching Persian language and literature at different educational institutions, including Persian Department of the University of Peshawar and the Cultural Centre of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Peshawar, and has authored several books in Persian.

Professor Ghayur said the book held such an appeal that it was translated into several languages: English by Arthur John Arberry, German by Annemarie Schimmel and in Italian by Alessandro Bausani.

“Allama Iqbal had great love for Persian and that is why a greater portion of his work, including “Javed Nama” is in this language,” said the scholar while naming Persian and Urdu books of poetry by the national poet.

During the session, a young student asked if Iqbal was inspired by the thoughts of the great Pashto poet Khushal Khan Khattak.Aslam Mir told the students that Iqbal greatly loved the Pashtuns and revered Khushal Khan Khattak.The event ended with a lively question-and-answer session.