Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — Social Coordinating Committee Jeddah (SCCJ) an organization working in partnership with Al-Khidmat Foundation a subsidiary of leading political and religious party of Pakistan celebrated 140th birth anniversary of Pakistan’s thinker, poet and philosopher Dr. Allama Mohammad Iqbal at Spices Village Al-Aziziyah restaurant recently.
A large number of distinguished members from Pakistani community attend the function. Dr. Ali Al-Ghamdi, renowned writer and ex-diplomat, presided over the function. While Najeebullah Khan, consular (welfare), at Consulate General Pakistan Jeddah was chief guest.
The function started with the recitation of a few verses from the Qur’an by Qari Mohammed Asif and Naat was presented by Ahmed Zubair. He also presented Kalam-e-Iqbal.
Dr. Ali Al-Ghamdi paid rich tribute to Allama Iqbal in his presidential address. He said Iqbal is universal poet and philosopher. He referred to few renowned Arab poets and philosophers who acknowledged Iqbal’s contribution.
He added if we had adhered to Iqbal’s message issues of Kashmir, stranded Pakistanis in Bangladesh and other issues faced by Muslim Ummah would have been resolved much earlier.
He expressed his regret that a quarter million patriotic Pakistanis are still living in Bangladeshi camps in miserable condition since fall of Dhaka in 1971.
Najeeb ullah said Dr. Allama Iqbal gave an identity to Muslims and guided them to reach the destination of Pakistan. Through his poetry Iqbal guided young generations. His poetry was alive yesterday and still alive today. He was not only poet but was a great thinker, he added.
He stressed Pakistani community should follow the message of Allama Iqbal and live with complete unity and harmony.
Renowned poet and writer Dr. Abdul Kareem Baibani said Allama Iqbal encouraged the younger generation for a fresh interpretation of Qur’an and the Sunnah.
Well-known journalist from Urdu News Abdul Sattar Khan gave brief lecture on the four most important components of the Muslim Ummah.
Altaf Awan, chairman Social Coordinating Committee Jeddah (SCCJ) (Samaji Rabita Committee), thanked the guests and participants. Malik Iqbal made supplications specially for the son of Nawaz Jangua an active member of the community who is suffering from blood cancer. Asif Butt was the master of ceremony.
