The word "imam" simply means "imam", but some interpreters (Mofasers) like Ibn Katheer have interpreted the word to mean "book". Why interpret it to "book"?
يَوۡمَ نَدۡعُواْ ڪُلَّ أُنَاسِۭ بِإِمَـٰمِهِمۡۖ فَمَنۡ أُوتِىَ ڪِتَـٰبَهُ ۥ بِيَمِينِهِۦ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ يَقۡرَءُونَ ڪِتَـٰبَهُمۡ وَلَا يُظۡلَمُونَ فَتِيلاً۬ (٧١)
Think of) the Day when We will call every people with their books of deeds. Then the ones who will be given their book in their right hands will read their book (happily) and will not be wronged even to the measure of a fine thread. (71)
Suratul Isra' Ayah 71
Source: Tafseer Ibn Katheer
Some Translations of this verse are:
One day We shall call together all human beings with their (respective) Imams. [Ahmed Ali]
On the day when We shall summon every group along with its leader [Ahmed Raza Khan]
Then think of the Day We shall summon every community with its leader. [Abul Ala Maududi]
(Remember) the day when We will call every people with their Imam; [Mohammad Habib Shakir]
The Day will surely come when We shall summon every people with their leader.[Wahiduddin Khan]
1. What is the reason for this interpret?
2. Is there any hadith saying Imam means book?