“Verily We shall make them taste the smaller torment prior to the great torment, that haply they may return (to Us)”Imam Sadiq (as) was asked about the verse, “Verily We shall make them taste the smaller torment prior to the great torment, that haply they may return (to Us)”
Imam (as) replied, “The smaller torment” refers to the inflation of prices, and “the great torment” is the torment of the sword of Mahdi. (Taweel Al Ayat Al Zahirah page 437)
Imam Sadiq (as) said, “The smaller torment” refers to a drought, and “the great torment” is the rising of Mahdi, the Qaem (as) by sword at the end of time. (Kashf Al Bayan)