The treatise *The Spiritual Journey of Those Who Await* offers a scholarly and practical guide for the age of the Greater Occultation, especially the period close to the Reappearance.
Understanding Satan is essential to escaping his increasingly sophisticated and destructive deceptions. Regular recitation of Supplication 17 of *al-Ṣaḥīfa al-Sajjādiyya*, together with study of its commentary, is essential for developing a deep understanding of Satan and his deceptions.
The central pillar of the spiritual journey of those who await is a special understanding of His Eminence, the Mahdi, peace be upon him. Without doubt, in the period close to the Reappearance, in the year of the Reappearance, and in its early days, difficult and exceptional trials will take place, determining the rank of the Imam’s companions. This calls for deep, specialist knowledge, reflection, study and reasoned understanding.
Piety, keeping away from sin, and protecting ourselves and the faithful from the stain of sin all demand special attention in this age. The paths to sin have widened, and access to its sources and to corruption has become easier. For this reason, our scholarly and practical vigilance must be exercised with due care.
A reflective, discerning engagement with the Qur’an, the traditions and devotional prayers is essential preparation for the present age.
The Fifteen Whispered Prayers of Imam Sajjad, peace be upon him, are a collection of spiritual nourishment in many forms, especially suited to our time; they should not be neglected.
The following supplications, recited with mindful attention, strengthen the spirit in this age:
يا الله يا رحمان يا رحیم یا مقلب القلوب ثبت قلبی على
Maintaining the state of one who is drowning is essential for this supplication to take effect.
اللهم عرفنی نفسک فإنک إن لم تعرفنی نفسک لم أعرف نبیک اللهم عرفنی رسولک فإنک إن لم تعرفنی رسولک لم أعرف حجتک اللهم عرفنی حجتک فإنک إن لم تعرفنی حجتک ضللت عن دینی
After reciting this supplication, its effect should be assessed, and its fulfilment sought with all one’s heart.
More to come, God willing.