How can I structure and write an essay on Allama Iqbal to score maximum marks in BISE Matric and Intermediate Urdu board exams?

Answered by Prof. Tariq Mahmood

To score maximum marks in your BISE Matric (Grades 9–10) or Intermediate (Grades 11–12) Urdu board exams, a standard essay on **Allama Iqbal (Poet of the East)** must be structured with high-quality headings, relevant poetry (Asha'ar), and proper presentation. Here is an exam-ready, high-scoring outline and essay blueprint designed to secure 15/15 (Matric) or 20/20 (Intermediate) marks. --- ### **BISE Exam Presentation Rules for this Essay:** * **Length:** 3 to 4 pages for Matric; 5 to 6 pages for Intermediate. * **Markers:** Use a Blue 605 marker for main headings and a Black 604 marker for poetry (Asha'ar) and quotations. * **Quotations:** Aim to include at least 5 to 6 relevant Urdu couplets. --- ### **Allama Iqbal: Essay Blueprint & Structure** #### **1. Introduction (Tamheed / تمجید)** * **Key Points:** Start with the chaotic state of Muslims in the Subcontinent before Iqbal's arrival. Introduce him as the savior, the "Hakim-ul-Ummat" (Philosopher of the Nation), and the "Shair-e-Mashriq" (Poet of the East). * **Date & Place of Birth:** Born on November 9, 1877, in Sialkot. * **Supporting Verse (Write this in the center of the page):** > *"Hazaaron saal nargis apni be-noori pe roti hai* > *Badi mushkil se hota hai chaman mein deeda-war paida"* #### **2. Early Life and Education (Aghaz-e-Zindagi aur Taleem)** * **Key Points:** Mention his early education in Sialkot under the supervision of his spiritual mentor, Shams-ul-Ulema Maulvi Mir Hasan. * **Higher Education:** Graduation from Government College Lahore, followed by his journey to Europe for higher studies (M.A. from Cambridge and Ph.D. from Munich, Germany, on the development of metaphysics in Persia). #### **3. The Philosophy of Khudi (Selfhood / فلسفہ خودی)** * **Key Points:** Explain that "Khudi" (self-realization, self-respect, and moral strength) is the cornerstone of Iqbal's poetry. He wanted Muslims to discover their inner potential rather than bowing before colonial rulers. * **Supporting Verse:** > *"Khudi ko kar buland itna ke har taqdeer se pehle* > *Khuda bande se khud pooche, bata teri raza kya hai"* #### **4. Message to the Muslim Youth (Iqbal aur Naujawan)** * **Key Points:** Iqbal used the metaphor of the **"Shaheen" (Falcon)** to inspire the Muslim youth. The Shaheen represents high-mindedness, self-reliance, courage, and a sharp focus on goals. * **Supporting Verse:** > *"Tu shaheen hai, parwaaz hai kaam tera* > *Tere saamne aasman aur bhi hain"* #### **5. Political Vision & The Allahabad Address (1930)** * **Key Points:** Discuss his role as a political visionary. In his famous presidential address at Allahabad in 1930, he clearly presented the concept of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Subcontinent. He was the one who convinced Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to lead the Muslim League. #### **6. Iqbal's Literary Legacy (Tasnifaat)** * **Key Points:** Mention his famous Urdu poetry collections: *Bang-e-Dara*, *Bal-e-Jibril*, and *Zarb-e-Kaleem*. Also mention his prominent Persian works like *Asrar-e-Khudi* and *Payam-e-Mashriq*. * **Supporting Verse:** > *"Ki Muhammad (SAW) se wafa tu ne to hum tere hain* > *Yeh jahan cheez hai kya, lauh-o-qalam tere hain"* #### **7. Conclusion (Ikhtitam)** * **Key Points:** Allama Iqbal passed away on April 21, 1938, before the creation of Pakistan, but his poetry remains the spiritual foundation of the nation. Conclude by emphasizing that we must implement his teachings of unity, faith, and continuous struggle (Amal-e-Paihab) to prosper. --- ### **Prof. Tariq's Special Tip for Extra Marks:** Do not write the essay in one long, continuous block of text. Break it down into 5 to 7 distinct paragraphs. Before writing any couplet (she'er), leave a line blank, write the couplet precisely in the center of the page using a darker pen/marker, and resume your paragraph on the next line. This presentation technique guarantees maximum marks from the board examiner.