In the early 20th century, the Muslim world was in a state of deep introspection and geopolitical decline. From the ruins of empires to the shadows of colonialism, a cry for revival echoed across the subcontinent. Among the many voices of that era, none resonated as powerfully as that of Sir Allama Muhammad Iqbal. His poem, Shikwa (The Complaint), published in 1911, stands as one of the most provocative and profound works in Urdu literature.
A Daring Dialogue with the Divine
Shikwa is written as a direct complaint to God. At a time when the Muslim community felt abandoned and humiliated on the world stage, Iqbal chose to voice their collective frustration. The poem is not an act of blasphemy, but rather an intimate, agonizing conversation—a "lover’s quarrel" with the Creator.
Iqbal asks: Why is it that those who once carried the banner of truth across the world are now the most downtrodden? Why have those who turned away from You been rewarded with worldly riches, while Your faithful servants languish in poverty?
The Forgotten Glory
The poem meticulously recounts the history of Islamic civilization. Iqbal reminds the Heavens (and the reader) of the sacrifices made by the early Muslims:
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Their bravery in the face of insurmountable odds.
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Their role in bringing justice and knowledge to a world in darkness.
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Their unwavering monotheism in the midst of idolatry.
By highlighting this "forgotten glory," Iqbal isn't just complaining; he is setting the stage for self-realization. He uses the past as a mirror to show the present generation how far they have fallen from their ancestral ideals.
The Impact and Controversy
When Iqbal first recited Shikwa at the annual session of Anjuman-e-Himayat-e-Islam in Lahore, it caused a sensation. Many conservative clerics were scandalized by its bold tone. How could a mortal "complain" to the Almighty?
However, Iqbal’s intent was always broader. He sought to wake the "Ummah" from its slumber. The poem acted as a psychological catharsis, allowing people to express their grief and, more importantly, forcing them to question their own lack of action.
The Path to Resolution: Jawab-e-Shikwa
Iqbal knew that a complaint without an answer would lead only to despair. Two years later, he published Jawab-e-Shikwa (The Answer to the Complaint). In the follow-up, the voice of the Divine answers the poet, turning the mirror back on the people: God does not change the condition of a people until they change themselves.
Together, these two poems form the cornerstone of Iqbal’s philosophy of Khudi (The Self), urging individuals to find their inner strength and reconnect with their spiritual purpose to regain their place in the world.
Sources
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Iqbal Academy Pakistan: Shikwa & Jawab-e-Shikwa Text – The official repository for Iqbal’s works, providing original Urdu text and translations.
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Rekhta: Shikwa - Allama Iqbal – A premier platform for Urdu poetry with detailed meanings of difficult words and recitations.
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The Friday Times: Iqbal’s Shikwa: A Century of Complaint – Analytical pieces on the historical context and the social impact of the poem on the subcontinent.
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Oxford University Press: The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam – While a separate work, this provides the philosophical backbone to the themes explored in Iqbal’s poetry.
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Carnegie Mellon University: Iqbal's Poetry: A Critical Study – Academic papers discussing the literary structure and metaphors used in Shikwa.
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