Dear Kids, Assalam-o-Alaikum!
The November issue of your favorite magazine Hilal for Kids is in your hands. This edition is customarily dedicated to the Poet of the East, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, whose birthday is celebrated on each November 9. To us, Iqbal Day is one of the most significant days in Pakistan because he is the one who dreamed of this independent and sovereign homeland. He gave the Ideology of Pakistan centered on the Two-Nation Theory that has its roots in Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s famous ‘Muslim identity’ vision. Above all, he persuaded Barrister Mohammad Ali Jinnah to come back from England and take over the reins of All India Muslim League and spearhead the Pakistan Movement. In addition, his motivational poetry, especially addressing the youth and children, played a revolutionary role in giving a spur to the nation’s struggle, under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-i-Azam.
Allama Iqbal’s birthday provides us an opportunity to rejoice the brilliance and resilience of our youth, which stems from the spirit of Iqbal infused through his everlasting poetry. His resounding message, which the Hilal for Kids’ pages proudly carry forward, serves as a guiding light for children and youth in Pakistan and beyond. His concept of Khudi (self-discovery) and Shaheen (falcon) gives the message of fearlessness, restlessness and responsibility. It serves as a guiding light for children and young people in Pakistan and beyond. Read on, and see how Iqbal’s words can inspire the younger generation towards realizing its inner potential, and becoming the most useful part of society and its glorious future. 
Dear Friends!
Continuing with our series in which we introduce great Muslim personalities, this month we’ve explored the life of Muhammad al-Idrisi – a great 12th century Muslim mapmaker. His maps not only depicted the world but also fostered curiosity and understanding among cultures. His contributions to geography and cartography reflect the innovative spirit that Allama Iqbal wishes to infuse in our youth. By learning about such historical personalities, you can appreciate the importance of knowledge and passion of exploring. However, amidst this innovative learning, we must also learn about the pressing issues facing our youth today. An article on drug abuse is crucial; it sheds light on the dangers that threaten the future of affected children. Raising awareness about the risks associated with drugs, alongside suggested preventive measures, empowers you to make informed choices. It is also relevant to the World Children’s Day we observe on November 20. Whereas it is important to prevent children from environmental degradation, cigarette smoke and drug abuse, it’s very crucial to save the children of Kashmir and Palestine from the ruins and killings. The epic stories of their extraordinary resilience and resoluteness remind us of the urgent need for compassion, and call upon the world to let the reign of terror stop. Children are meant to become advocates of peace and change, not the targets of conflict and carnage. Let’s honor Iqbal’s legacy of justice and humanity, and teach them how to face challenges, dream big, and become the architects of a brighter future.

Farooq-uz-Zaman