Allama Iqbal, the eminent thinker and poet of the East, expressed his profound belief in the eternal existence of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.). He stated:
“I have complete faith that Prophet Muhammad is alive. Moreover, people in this age can benefit from his company (through the Mohammadan Assembly) just as the sacred Companions of the Holy Prophet did. Alas! In this era, such convictions are often met with skepticism. Thus, I choose to remain silent.” (Letter to Niaz-ud-Din Khan, Fitrak-e-Rasool, Pg. 71, Chapter 3)
Iqbal further elaborates on this idea with a profound verse:
بہ مصطفٰےؐ برساں خویش را کہ دین ہمہ اوست
اگر بہ او نہ رسیدی ، تمام بولہبی است
Translation: “You must take yourself to Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.). That is, in fact, the Mohammadan Assembly (Majlis-e-Mohammadi), as he embodies the complete and perfect faith. If you do not connect with the Mohammadan Assembly, your entire faith is akin to that of Abu Lahab.” (Armoghan-e-Hijaz)
In this context, Iqbal emphasizes that true spiritual connection and faith are achieved through the presence and guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.). He stresses that engaging with the Mohammadan Assembly is essential for a complete and authentic understanding of faith. The reference to Abu Lahab underscores the importance of this connection, suggesting that lacking it diminishes the essence of one’s faith.
