Allama Muhammad Iqbal (1877-1938) was one of the greatest poet-philosophers of the 20th century. Iqbal was born in Sialkot in 1877 to a family that traced its roots to Sapru brahmins of Kashmir.

Iqbal is revered as the Shair-e-Mashriq (Poet of the East) in the subcontinent. He was knighted by King George V for his massive literary achievements in Urdu and Persian in 1922 and gained the title of Sir Muhammad Iqbal.

Annemarie Schimmel (Gabriel's Wing) described Iqbal as a "universalist poet" who strove to span a literary and philosophical bridge between the East and the West.

The central theme of Iqbal's poetic philosophy is the concept of 'Khudi' – a synergestic amalgam of self-realization and decisive action.

The Falcon or Shaheen is a familiar motif in Iqbal’s poetry, especially in exhortative verses intended to inspire muslim youth.

Here are a few of Iqbal’s well-known Shaheen verses, popular enough that even I can quote them when the occasion demands.
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Tu Shaheen Hai, Parwaz Hai Kaam Tera
Tere Samne Asman Aur Bhi Hain
~

One verse used to grace the header of this blog.
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Shaheen Kabhi Parwaz Se Thak Kar Nahin Girta
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~
Nahin Tera Nasheman Qasr-e-Sultani Ke Gumbad Par
Tu Shaheen Hai, Basera Kar Paharon Ki Chataanon Mein
~

~
Parwaz Hai Dono Ki Isi Ek Fiza Mein
Kargas Ka Jahan Aur Hai, Shaheen Ka Jahan Aur
~

~
Jhapatna, Palatna, Palat Kar Jhapatna
Lahoo Garam Rakhne Ka Hai Ek Bahana
Parindon Ki Duniya Ka Darvesh Hoon Main
Ke Shaheen Banata Nahin Ashiyana
~

This is probably my first post that features Allama Muhammad Iqbal even though Iqbal and Ghalib were conversationally quoted at my naanihal.

Faiz and the rest I sought out on my own later in life.

Der Ayad Durust Ayad !

Bonus: Enjoy the Shaheen-themed verses in this spirited performance of Iqbal's 'Sitaron Se Aage' by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan