In Poem No. 12 of Book III, titled “Ruba’iyat,” penned by the revered poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the verses resound with profound reflections on faith, identity, and the state of the world. The poet portrays faith as akin to the unwavering resolve of Abraham at the stake, emphasizing its core essence of self-honor and divine intoxication.
Iqbal addresses those who are enamored by the contemporary trends of their age, cautioning that lacking faith is a graver bondage than any other. He notes how music from distant lands mingles with the fervor of Islam, forming the basis of a harmonious nation. Meanwhile, he observes the spiritual emptiness of Europe, which does not bow to Makkah’s influence.
The poet laments the waning of love’s fervor among Muslims, with thinning veins and fragmented ranks, cold prayers, and shallow emotions, suggesting a need for spiritual revival. Allama Iqbal’s verses, as always, provoke deep contemplation and inspire a search for profound meaning in life.