The Influence of Allama Iqbal’s Poetry on Colonel Muhammad Khan’s Prose

Abstract

This article critically examines the influence of Allama Iqbal’s poetry on the prose writings of Colonel Muhammad Khan. After Ghalib, Iqbal was the poet whose works profoundly shaped Khan’s literary vision and narrative style. Colonel Muhammad Khan’s deep study of Iqbal’s poetry is reflected throughout his writings, where he not only adorns his prose with Iqbal’s verses but also subtly conveys Iqbal’s philosophical message to common readers. His works such as Bajang Aamad, Bisalamat Rawi, Bazm Araiyan, and Badesi Mazah demonstrate a unique fusion of humor, satire, and philosophical depth, enriched by frequent intertextual references to Iqbal. Khan employs Iqbal’s poetry not merely as ornamentation but as a powerful rhetorical and aesthetic device that enhances both meaning and literary charm. By weaving Iqbal’s verses into his humorous yet reflective narratives, Khan successfully bridges the gap between complex philosophical thought and accessible popular expression. The study concludes that Iqbal’s poetry played a pivotal role in shaping Colonel Muhammad Khan’s creative consciousness, giving his prose both intellectual depth and artistic beauty.