The Spiritual Journey of Believers: From Trial to Divine Selection

The Spiritual Journey of Believers: From Trial to Divine Selection

Dr. Najat Fradi
2025

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

“Do the people think that they will be left to say, ‘We believe’ and they will not be tried? But We have certainly tried those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars.” (Al-`Ankabut 29:2–3)

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, and may peace and blessings be upon the most noble of creation, Prophet Muhammad and his pure family.

In the time of occultation, when the Imam is hidden from the eyes but present in the hearts, the awaiters embark on a long and challenging spiritual journey, filled with longing and divine tests. At times, these tribulations serve to purify the souls; at other times, they prepare a loyal group for divine service.

Many awaiters ask:

Why are we tested? Why does the path become harder the closer we get to the Imam?

Are these hardships punishments for past shortcomings, or divine training to prepare the soul for carrying the greatest message?

In this lecture, we explore the divine philosophy of testing during the period of occultation. We discover that every tribulation, no matter how painful, could be a key to spiritual elevation and a gateway to becoming among the sincere awaiters.

Axis One: What Types of Trials Exist During Occultation?

Human nature instinctively asks: what kind of test will I face? The noble narrations have clarified the nature of these trials—both practical and theoretical, like academic subjects with written and applied exams. Likewise, humans face trials of the body and heart—external behavior and internal beliefs. Sometimes they are tested in actions, and other times in faith and conviction.

Axis Two: Behavioral and Practical Tests

Every believer is tested through instincts like desire and anger. They are tested in moments of obedience and disobedience—will they stand firm or deviate? The soul tempts them, and Satan and base desires push them towards sin. Will they fall or succeed?

Each person is tested in their own weakness. For someone obsessed with wealth, the test will involve financial integrity. Do they fall into interest or bribery, or resist temptation for the sake of Allah?

Others are tested with unlawful desires, forbidden gazes, haram income, or immodesty. The battle between truth and falsehood rages within, and every act is a test. Will they remain steadfast or give in?

The narrations speak clearly: the time of occultation is a time of intense behavioral tests.

From Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him):

“Whoever awaits our affair and endures the harm and fear that he sees is with us tomorrow. When you see that truth has died, gambling and vice spread unchecked, women surrender themselves to unbelievers, entertainment becomes public, bloodshed is taken lightly, and people abandon enjoining good and forbidding evil—be cautious and seek Allah’s protection. Know that people are under Allah’s wrath. He is only delaying for a purpose. So be vigilant and strive to stand in contrast to them.”

This is a call for resistance. A believer must draw red lines—against backbiting, envy, immodesty, and bad character. Without clear boundaries, a person gradually loses sensitivity, becomes desensitized, and falls into sin.

Our deeds are presented to the Imam (may Allah hasten his reappearance). When he sees disobedience, it pains him. When he sees obedience, he rejoices.

So we must ask ourselves:
Are we hurting the heart of our Imam with our behavior?

Imam al-Sadiq advises in a narration:

“If you reach that time, then recite this du’a: ‘O Allah, make me know You; for if I do not know You, I will not know Your Messenger. O Allah, make me know Your Messenger; for if I do not know Your Messenger, I will not know My Imam. O Allah, make me know My Imam; for if I do not know him, I will go astray from my religion.'”

Axis Three: What Is the Purpose of Divine Testing?

First question: Is this testing unique to belief in the Mahdi, or is it a general divine law?

Second question: Why does Allah test us?

The answer: Testing is a universal law of life. Every rational person uses tests to verify readiness. No employer hires someone without testing their competence. Likewise, Allah tests His servants to prepare them for great roles…The more significant the role, the harder the test.

This is not just logic—it is confirmed by revelation. Allah says:

“Do the people think they will be left to say, ‘We believe,’ and they will not be tried?” (Al-`Ankabut 29:2–3)

Imam al-Hussain (peace be upon him) said:

“People are slaves of this world; religion is only on their tongues. They protect it as long as their livelihoods are secure. But when they are tested by tribulation, true believers become few.”

Thus, tribulation is not unique to Mahdism; it is part of every genuine faith. It distinguishes the truthful from the liars.

The Goal: Qualification for the Imam’s Cause

Among the key purposes of trials is qualification. The cause of the Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance) is the greatest project in human history. It demands high qualities—steadfastness, sincerity, and spiritual strength.

Even Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), though already a prophet and close to Allah, was tested before being given the role of Imam:

“And [mention] when Abraham was tried by his Lord with commands and he fulfilled them. [Allah] said, ‘Indeed, I will make you a leader for the people.'” (Al-Baqarah 2:124)

If the great Prophet Ibrahim needed testing for imamate, how much more must we be tested to reach the level of the Mahdi’s companions?

How Great Are the Imam’s True Companions?

Imam al-Baqir (peace be upon him) said:

“It is as though I see the companions of the Al Mahdi (Pbuh) encompassing the East and West. All things obey them, even wild animals and birds. The Earth takes pride and says: ‘Today a man from the companions of the Al Mahdi (Pbuh) passed over me.'”

The Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) once said to his companions:

“O Allah, let me meet my brothers.” They said: “Are we not your brothers?” He replied: “No, you are my companions. My brothers are people of the end times who believe in me without seeing me. Each of them will be more steadfast in his religion than one who holds burning embers in the darkness of night.”

So Let Us Ask Ourselves:

When real tribulation strikes, will our hearts remain firm like the companions of Imam Hussain (Pbuh)?

Do we see our trials as paths to nearness, or reasons to withdraw?

Are we ready to be purified—practically and spiritually?

✦ Whoever wishes to be among the Imam’s supporters must begin today—by purifying the soul.

Conclusion

Thus, we reach the end of our journey through the philosophy of tribulation during the occultation. It is not a punishment—but a divine refinement of souls, just as the tribulations of Imam Hussain ((Pbuh) were the highest form of preparation and submission.

Karbala was not merely a tragedy—it was a divine field for purifying luminous hearts.

Today, in the time of occultation, we too are tested by loneliness, confusion, and loss. Yet, if we remain firm, we become part of the path of preparation—just as the companions of Imam Hussain (Pbuh) became the champions of truth.

May Allah make us among those who prepare through steadfastness, not mere words—among those who are tested, purified, and chosen to support the truth alongside Imam al-Mahdi (a).

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