Meaning
A test, trial, or examination.
Literally: From the Arabic root m-h-n, to put to the proof.
How Iqbal uses it
For Iqbal the trial is the proving-ground of the self; in 'Sitaron se aage' he insists that beyond the conquered stars 'more tests of love remain,' framing existence as an unending series of examinations the awakened ego must seek out rather than avoid.
See it in the verse
Imtihan in Iqbal’s couplets
Sitaron se aage jahan aur bhi hain
Abhi ishq ke imtihan aur bhi hain
Abhi ishq ke imtihan aur bhi hain
Beyond the stars there are worlds yet — there are still more trials of love to come.
Aspiration · Love · Restlessness
Baatil se dabne wale ai aasman nahin ham
Sau baar kar chuka hai tu imtihan hamara
Sau baar kar chuka hai tu imtihan hamara
We are not the kind to be crushed by falsehood, O sky; a hundred times already you have tested us.
Courage · Adversity