Iqbal Day is observed on 9 November, the birthday of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the philosopher-poet who inspired the idea of Pakistan. Schools hold speeches and poetry recitations, and his verses about selfhood and courage are quoted across the country. This guide summarises his life and legacy, with a countdown on our Days Until Iqbal Day page.
Early life and education
Iqbal was born on 9 November 1877 in Sialkot. He studied in Sialkot and Lahore, then at Cambridge, and earned a doctorate in Munich in 1908. He also qualified as a barrister in London.
Poet of the East
Iqbal wrote in Urdu and Persian. Famous collections include Bang-e-Dra, Bal-e-Jibril, Zarb-e-Kalim and Asrar-e-Khudi. His poetry speaks of khudi (selfhood), action, faith and the revival of the Muslim world. He is often called Shair-e-Mashriq (Poet of the East) and Hakeem-ul-Ummat.
The Allahabad address
In his presidential address to the Muslim League at Allahabad on 29 December 1930, Iqbal proposed a consolidated Muslim state in north-west India. It was an important step in the Pakistan movement. Read about the later Lahore Resolution in Pakistan Day and the Lahore Resolution.
Key dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 9 November 1877 | Born in Sialkot |
| 1908 | Doctorate from Munich |
| 29 December 1930 | Allahabad address |
| 21 April 1938 | Died in Lahore |
He passed away before independence. His mausoleum stands beside the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore. Calculate his age at death with the Age Calculator: 60 years.
Children’s poems
Many Pakistani children learn “Lab pe aati hai dua ban ke tamanna meri” in school, a prayer-poem asking to be a light for others.
Is Iqbal Day a holiday?
The status of 9 November as a public holiday has changed over the years; check the current Pakistan Public Holidays list and official notifications.
Celebrate his message
Read his poems with translation, discuss their meaning with students and practise his message of self-respect and hard work. For school ideas, see Iqbal Day school activities.
Frequently asked questions
When is Iqbal Day?
On 9 November, Allama Iqbal’s birthday.
Where was Iqbal born?
In Sialkot, in 1877.
What is the Allahabad address?
Iqbal’s 1930 speech proposing a Muslim state in north-west India.