Imtihān (trial) is an ibtilāʾ (test) that comes from the Real (al-Ḥaqq) and enters the qalb (the heart) that has turned towards Allah. The distress of ibtilāʾ is its dispersal and scattering. (Lumaʿ, 448)
This technical term (imtihān) indicates the testing of the hearts of the awliyāʾ (friends of God) with various tribulations and calamities. These calamities come from the presence of the Real (al-Ḥaqq), and are states such as khawf (fear), ḥuzn (sorrow), qabḍ (constriction), and hayba (awe). (Hujwīrī, 470-471)
(See also: balāʾ/balwā; ibtilāʾ)