Iqbals

Iqbals refers to people who bear the name Iqbal, either as a given name or as a surname. The term is used in reference to multiple individuals who share this name. It is most common in South Asia and among Muslim communities worldwide, where Iqbal is a familiar masculine name and, less often, a family surname.

The name Iqbal is of Arabic origin and is widely used in Urdu and Persian-speaking communities. In everyday usage, it is associated with positive connotations such as prosperity, success, or good fortune, though exact meanings can vary by language and tradition. Spelling in English transliteration typically appears as Iqbal, with minor variations in other languages.

Among the Iqbals, the most widely known bearer is Allama Muhammad Iqbal (1877–1938), a philosopher, poet, and politician who played a foundational role in inspiring the Pakistan Movement. He wrote extensively in Urdu and Persian and is regarded as a national figure in Pakistan for his literary and intellectual contributions.

Beyond Allama Iqbal, numerous individuals with the surname Iqbal have contributed across fields such as politics, academia, sports, and the arts in Pakistan, India, and among diaspora communities. Because Iqbal is a common given name as well as a surname, the plural Iqbals encompasses a broad and diverse group of people rather than a single identifiable entity.