Meaning
Storm, tempest, deluge.
How Iqbal uses it
Not to be feared but used. The headwind that looks like the enemy of flight is exactly what a wing turns into lift — so he prays, “God, make you familiar with some storm,” because calm seas leave the self slack.
See it in the verse
Toofan in Iqbal’s couplets
Khuda tujhe kisi toofan se aashna kar de
Ki tere bahr ki maujon mein iztirab nahin
Ki tere bahr ki maujon mein iztirab nahin
May God acquaint you with some storm — for the waves of your sea carry no restlessness in them.
Restlessness · Adversity
Jis se jigar-e-laala mein thandak ho wo shabnam
Daryaon ke dil jis se dahal jaayein wo toofan
Daryaon ke dil jis se dahal jaayein wo toofan
To the tulip's heart he is the dew that cools it; to mighty rivers he is the storm that makes their hearts tremble.
Courage · Justice · Selfhood