Image of Imam  A1i in Iqbal's works

Imam ‘Ali (a.s.) has occupied an important position in Muslim culture and history. Imam ‘Ali is a perfect man since all the human values, such as love, courage, knowledge, honesty, unbending devotion to Islam, intellect, justice, freedom, and devotion have had their maximum growth in him and in a harmonious manner. Muhammad Iqbal, one of the contemporary and distinguished Persian and Urdu poets, has paid attention to Imam ‘Ali in his works, especially his poems. His portrayal of ‘Ali is indicative of his attitude to life and the operational philosophy he wished to convey to Muslims. Due to his personal attributes, Ali was for Iqbal the mard-i mu’min and the fata par excellence; the seeker of truth and God, who lived an active, energetic life. With his sincerity and dynamism in actions, ‘Ali personified and embodied Islamic values; he projected qualities which if followed would provide the key for self-reliance and dignity in the lives of contemporary Muslims.