The Wives of Allama Iqbal: A Journey Through Love and Circumstance

The remarkable life of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, often referred to simply as Allama Iqbal, is punctuated by interesting milestones and transformations, one of which is his marriages. Hashed in a tumultuous era, Iqbal had three significant marriages that shaped his personal and professional life. Let us delve into the details of his three wives - Karim Bibi, Mukhtar Begum, and Sardar Begum.

Karim Bibi Iqbal: The First Chapter

Like many historical figures, Allama Iqbal's first marriage took place at a young age - he was just 18 in 1895. His wife was named Karim Bibi, who was the daughter of a renowned Gujarati physician, Khan Bahadur Ata Muhammad Khan. Her sister, significantly, was the mother of renowned director and music composer Khwaja Khurshid Anwar. Their families, likely on account of their social standing and shared cultural and intellectual circles, arranged this union. The marriage produced two children: a daughter, Miraj Begum, and a son, Aftab Iqbal, who later became a distinguished barrister.

Despite the early conception of their bond, the couple's journey together was bumpy. Allama Iqbal and Karim Bibi separated sometime between 1910 and 1913, a period rich with political and personal events. However, his financial ties with her remained strong even after the separation, reflecting the traditional ties between family members and their obligations.

Mukhtar Begum Iqbal: A Brief Unfulfilled Union

Iqbal's second marriage, with Mukhtar Begum, was held in December 1914, following the passing of his mother in the previous November. This union was rather short-lived, as both the mother and the child born from this marriage passed away within a few months of Mukhtar's delivery in 1924. This heartbreaking span of years marked a poignant chapter in Iqbal's life, one replete with loss and the beginning of a profound period of work and thought central to the beginning of his poetic and intellectual contributions.

Sardar Begum Iqbal: The Enduring Relationship

Finally, Allama Iqbal's third and last marriage was with Sardar Begum. This union resulted in the birth of a son, Javed Iqbal, who later became a Senior Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, and a daughter, Muneera Bano, born in 1930. Their son, Javed, significantly enriched Iqbal's legacy and contributed to the legal framework of modern Pakistan, while Muneera Bano, through her son Yousuf Salahuddin, has carried forward the welfare and philanthropic work of the family.

These marriages of Allama Iqbal reflect not only personal choices but also the broader socio-political dynamics of his time. They offer a unique window into the personal and professional life of a man who is remembered as one of the most influential figures in Urdu literature and the political history of the Indian subcontinent.