Meaning
The leader of congregational prayer; a religious leader.
How Iqbal uses it
Word for one who leads the prayer and, broadly, a guide of the community.
See it in the verse
Imam 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