Meaning
The intermediate imaginal world of forms and images, between pure spirit and gross matter.
Literally: world of similitudes
How Iqbal uses it
Iqbal, conversant with the imaginal cosmology of the Sufis, treats this realm as where the soul's visions and symbols take shape.
See it in the verse
Alam-e-Misal in Iqbal’s couplets
Yaqeen muhkam, amal paiham, mohabbat fateh-e-aalam
Jihad-e-zindagani mein hain ye mardon ki shamsheeren
Jihad-e-zindagani mein hain ye mardon ki shamsheeren
Firm conviction, ceaseless action, and a love that conquers the world — these are the swords of the brave in the struggle of life.
Action · Love · Courage
Qanaat na kar aalam-e-rang-o-bu par
Chaman aur bhi, aashiyan aur bhi hain
Chaman aur bhi, aashiyan aur bhi hain
Do not be content with this world of colour and scent — there are other gardens, and other nests, too.
Aspiration · Restlessness
Nazar nahin to mere halqa-e-sukhan mein na baith
Ki nukta-ha-e-khudi hain misal-e-tegh-e-asil
Ki nukta-ha-e-khudi hain misal-e-tegh-e-asil
If you have no vision, do not sit in my circle of speech — for the subtleties of selfhood are like a sword of true steel.
Selfhood · Self-Knowledge · Courage
Aaya hai tu jahan mein misal-e-sharar dekh
Dam de na jaye hasti-na-paayedar dekh
Dam de na jaye hasti-na-paayedar dekh
You have come into the world like a spark — see that this fleeting existence does not slip away from you.
Action · Awakening · Aspiration
Related words
ARABIC
Alam-e-Arwah
The world of spirits, the realm in which souls existed before their descent into bodies.
ARABIC
Alam-e-Nasut
The world of humanity and material existence, the lowest of the descending cosmic planes.
ARABIC
Barzakh
The intermediate realm between this world and the hereafter where souls await resurrection.