Afterwards as well...

Afterwards as well, such trials continued and shall continue, so that, in the words of the Qur’an: لِيَمِيزَ الْخَبِيثَ مِنَ الطَّيِّبِ “…so that Allah separates the impure from the pure.” [^2] These trials have wisdom and many benefits, among which is that the disposition of the people of the world and society become ready for that dignified reappearance in which the resolute and steadfast believers will be separated from the remaining people.

Preserving one’s faith during the period of the Imam’s (peace be upon him) occultation is possible by enduring very severe difficulties. Without doubt, millions of people leave this school of trials with pride and heads held high, that is through patience and forbearance and perseverance in difficulties, they succeed in preserving their religion, faith, and honor.

According to the content of some traditions, during this period protecting one’s religion will become more difficult than holding fire in the palm of one’s hand, and oppression, injustice, corruption, and perversion will become prevalent. Values will be regarded as being against values, and things opposed to values will be regarded as values. Sins will be considered a matter of pride and accomplishment.

One’s friends will encourage and induce him to sin and reproach him for not cooperating with oppressors, sinners, and corrupt people. Women will enter into work exclusive to men. Many wars and natural afflictions will come about.

In a tradition of Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari regarding the commentary of the verse: أَطِيعُوا اللهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ وَأُولِي الأَمْرِ مِنْكُمْ “(O you who believe!) Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority amongst you (the legatees of the Messenger).

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