How do we respond to the ideas claiming that the tribulations of this era, especially the trial of the Antichrist (Al-Masih Ad-Dajjal), were supposed to occur during the time of the Companions due to the strength of their faith and steadfastness, and that we cannot remain firm in the face of them due to the weakness of our souls?

Allah tests His servants with good and evil. The most severely tested are the prophets, then the righteous. A Muslim's steadfastness is commensurate with their faith. The Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, faced trials, and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was with them, strengthening them. Therefore, the reward for those who patiently endured after them was immense. It is stated in the Hadith that patience in the End Times is like grasping a burning coal, and that the one who acts thus will have the reward of fifty men who perform deeds like those of the Companions. This indicates that the severity of trials in later times, coupled with the scarcity of helpers, is met with an abundance of reward. This does not preclude the superiority of the early generations, because the multiplication of reward for those who come later is due to the extreme hardship and scarcity of helpers, whereas the early generations possessed qualities not found in later generations, which makes their virtue greater.