What is the proof of yours?

What is the proof of yours?’ The young man said, ‘God’s Messenger, my conviction is the reason of my grief, sleeplessness, and thirst in midday.

Hence, I disdain this world along with its pleasures so completely, as if the Throne of my Lord is prepared for the judgment, all people, including I myself, are gathered there for interrogation, and as if people of Paradise are there enjoying the bliss and introducing themselves to each other and leaning on the sofas, and as if people of Hell are there tormented and lined up, and now I can hear the sound of fire in my hearings.’ The Prophet (S) said to his companions, ‘Surely, Allah has illuminated the heart of this man with faith.’ He (S) then asked him to keep on such faith and conviction.

The young man asked the Prophet to pray to God for martyrdom, and the Prophet did. Not before long time, that young man participated in one of the Prophet’s campaigns and was martyred[^6]. Qualities of People of Conviction People of conviction, as they are flourished and lightened by the glittering rays of conviction, acquire various colors of mental perfection that exalt them to a lofty spiritual standing.

Thus, they are characterized by high moral standards and moral conducts as they avoid vices and bad manners. The illusions of this world cannot divert them from exalting their spiritual qualifications for gaining the lofty ranks and the expected endless pleasures of the life to come. They exert all efforts for offering acts of obedience to God for sake of attaining His satisfaction. They trust in Him completely in sorrow and in joy.

They neither fear nor hope for anything except God because they are convinced of His well management and wisdom. Their prayers therefore are responded and their charismata are shown. Finally, they find favor with God. Ranks of Faith There is a great variety in the scope of people’s faith. Some are forerunners in the field of faith while others are too tardy. The following holy text may cast shadow on such a variety.

Imam as-Sadiq (a) said: “Like stairs, faith is often ranks that should be taken one by one. The owner of two ranks of faith should not accuse the owner of one rank of having nothing of faith until he climbs the ten ranks successfully. Hence, you should not throw him who is lower than you are down, lest he who is higher than you are will throw you down.