Lecture at Dabestan on Israr-e-Khudi verses

TheSufi.com had the absolute pleasure of attending a thought-provoking lecture on Allama Iqbal’s iconic work, Israr-e-Khudi, delivered by Mian Iqbal Salahuddin at Dabestan-e-Iqbal in Gulberg, Lahore.

The Spirit of Dabestan-e-Iqbal

Dabestan-e-Iqbal stands as a beacon of intellectual and spiritual revival, established by the family of Allama Iqbal. The institution is dedicated to spreading Iqbal’s message of self-awareness, creativity, and national vision—ideals that once inspired a nation and continue to resonate today.

The Lecture: Unveiling the Secrets of the Self

Mian Iqbal Salahuddin’s lecture delved deep into the verses of Israr-e-Khudi (Secrets of the Self), Iqbal’s philosophical masterpiece. Through multimedia presentations and passionate discourse, Salahuddin illuminated Iqbal’s call for self-realization, inner strength, and creative energy. He emphasized how Iqbal’s poetry is not just literary art, but a roadmap for personal and collective transformation.

Reflections on Iqbal, Jinnah, and the Dream of Pakistan

The session also touched upon the historic synergy between Allama Iqbal and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. As highlighted in the introduction at Dabestan, Iqbal’s vision laid the foundation for a new nation, while Jinnah’s leadership transformed that vision into reality. The lecture reminded us how, after their passing, the nation’s original ideals were neglected, and how there is an urgent need for a revival of Iqbal’s thought in contemporary Pakistan.

A Call for Revival

The event concluded with a powerful message: the path to a just, progressive, and spiritually vibrant Pakistan lies in embracing Iqbal’s philosophy—championing Ijtihad, creative thinking, and the pursuit of both spiritual and empirical knowledge. The audience left inspired, reaffirming their commitment to carrying forward Iqbal’s intellectual legacy.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Dabestan-e-Iqbal and attending this lecture was a truly enriching experience. It was a reminder that the teachings of Iqbal are as relevant today as ever, offering hope and guidance for a brighter future. As Iqbal himself prayed:

“خدایا آرزو میری یہی ہے
مرا نور بصیرت عام کر دے”
(O Lord, I pray that Thou vouchsafe to them
The power of vision that Thou hast given me)

If you’re passionate about Iqbal’s philosophy and the future of Pakistan, I highly recommend attending future lectures at Dabestan-e-Iqbal. Book your seat, and be part of the intellectual revival!