Meaning
The leader who stands in front and is followed by the congregation in prayer; also a religious leader.
Literally: one who is in front, leader
How Iqbal uses it
The one who leads, both in prayer and in the wider sense of community leadership.
See it in the verse
Imaam in Iqbal’s couplets
Tera imam be-huzoor teri namaz be-suroor
Aisi namaz se guzar aise imam se guzar
Aisi namaz se guzar aise imam se guzar
Your prayer-leader is without presence, your prayer without rapture — move past such a prayer, move past such a leader.
Awakening · Courage · Freedom
Hai Ram ke vajood pe Hindostan ko naaz
Ahl-e-nazar samajhte hain us ko imam-e-Hind
Ahl-e-nazar samajhte hain us ko imam-e-Hind
India takes pride in the very existence of Ram; those of discerning sight regard him as the spiritual leader of India.
Unity