Al-Ghaybah

Moreover, practitioners believe that the period of occultation serves as a test of faith. It challenges adherents to engage in spiritual growth, continuous worship, and the practice of charity without the physical presence of their Imam. This existential component elicits a broader contemplation of faith—a humble invitation to rise above reliance upon visible guides and instead cultivate a direct relationship with the Divine.

4. The Eschatological Context: Preparing for Return

In Shia eschatology, the return of al-Mahdi is inextricably linked with the end times and the establishment of a just society. Various traditions articulate the conditions that precede this moment, often enumerating signs such as widespread corruption, tyranny, and societal discord. This anticipatory framework compels the community to strive for moral rectitude and justice, thereby actively participating in the world while awaiting divine intervention.