Meaning
A pen or reed for writing.
Literally: pen; reed-pen
How Iqbal uses it
Qalam is the pen, classically the reed cut for writing and a symbol of the written word's authority. Iqbal treats the pen as a power rivalling the sword, the instrument by which truth is recorded and a people's mind is shaped. In his thought the writer bears a responsibility as grave as any warrior's.
See it in the verse
Qalam in Iqbal’s couplets
Khuda agar dil-e-fitrat-shanaas de tujh ko
Sukoot-e-laala-o-gul se kalaam paida kar
Sukoot-e-laala-o-gul se kalaam paida kar
If God gives you a heart that can read Nature, then draw speech out of the silence of the tulip and the rose.
Self-Knowledge · Aspiration · Awakening
Ki Mohammad se wafa tu ne to hum tere hain
Ye jahan cheez hai kya lauh-o-qalam tere hain
Ye jahan cheez hai kya lauh-o-qalam tere hain
Be faithful to Muhammad, and We are yours; this world is nothing — the Tablet and the Pen themselves are yours.
Love · Aspiration · Selfhood
Ishq dam-e-Jibreel ishq dam-e-Mustafa
Ishq Khuda ka Rasool ishq Khuda ka kalaam
Ishq Khuda ka Rasool ishq Khuda ka kalaam
Love is the breath of Gabriel, love the breath of the Prophet; love is the messenger of God, love is the Word of God.
Love · Aspiration
Phool ki patti se kat sakta hai heere ka jigar
Mard-e-nadaan par kalaam-e-narm-o-nazuk be-asar
Mard-e-nadaan par kalaam-e-narm-o-nazuk be-asar
A diamond's heart can be cut by the petal of a flower — yet on a foolish man, soft and gentle words have no effect.
Self-Knowledge · Action