Shikwa and Jawab-e-Shikwa facts for kids
Shikwa (meaning "Complaint") and Jawab-e-Shikwa (meaning "Response to the Complaint") are two famous poems written in the Urdu language by a very important poet named Muhammad Iqbal. These poems were later put together in his book called Kulliat-e-Iqbal. People often love these poems because they sound beautiful, are written wonderfully, and make you think deeply.
First, Muhammad Iqbal wrote the poem Shikwa. In this poem, he asks questions to Allah (God). Some people didn't understand what he was trying to say and criticized him. So, Iqbal then wrote the second poem, Jawab-e-Shikwa. After reading both poems, people understood the full message Iqbal wanted to share.
Contents
What Are Shikwa and Jawab-e-Shikwa?
Shikwa and Jawab-e-Shikwa are long poems that explore big ideas about faith, humanity, and God's relationship with people. They are written in a style that feels like a conversation.
Who Was Muhammad Iqbal?
Muhammad Iqbal (1877–1938) was a very important person in the history of Urdu literature and thought. He was not just a poet; he was also a philosopher, a lawyer, and a politician. He is often called the "Poet of the East" because his ideas and poems had a huge impact on people in South Asia and beyond. His writings encouraged Muslims to think about their past and future.
Why Did Iqbal Write Shikwa?
In Shikwa, which means "Complaint," Muhammad Iqbal speaks from the perspective of a Muslim who feels sad and confused. He complains to Allah, asking why Muslims, who were once so strong and faithful, are now facing difficulties and challenges. He asks questions like:
- Why do bad things happen to good people?
- Why do people who don't follow God's path seem to succeed more?
- Why does it feel like God has forgotten His followers?
This poem was very bold because it openly questioned God, which made some people uncomfortable at first. They thought it was disrespectful.
What Is Jawab-e-Shikwa About?
Because of the criticism he received for Shikwa, Iqbal wrote Jawab-e-Shikwa, which means "Response to the Complaint." In this poem, Allah (God) answers the complaints made in Shikwa. The response explains that if Muslims are facing problems, it's not because God has abandoned them. Instead, it's because they have moved away from the true teachings and values of Islam.
The poem reminds people that:
- God's promises are always true.
- People need to reflect on their own actions and faith.
- If people return to their true path and values, they can regain their strength and glory.
Why Are These Poems Special?
Shikwa and Jawab-e-Shikwa are considered masterpieces for several reasons:
- Musicality: The poems have a beautiful rhythm and flow, making them wonderful to read aloud.
- Poetical Beauty: Iqbal uses amazing language and imagery to express deep feelings and ideas.
- Depth of Thought: They make readers think deeply about faith, purpose, and the challenges of life.
- Impact: These poems helped many people understand their faith better and encouraged them to strive for a better future. They are still widely read and loved today.
