Wisdom 15
Imam Ali (A.S.) said:
“Not everyone who falls into temptation deserves blame.”
Keywords
Tempted (مَفْتُون): A person who has deviated from the right path; one who has fallen into trial, confusion, or misguidance.
To Be Blamed (يُعَاتَب): To be reproached, criticized, or held accountable.
Summary of Wisdom 15
Although falling into temptation, trials, deception, or misguidance is undesirable, it does not mean that every person who is deceived or tested deserves blame. In many cases, an individual may not be personally responsible for becoming involved in a trial or fitnah.
Commentary
1. Historical Context of This Wisdom
According to Ibn Abi al-Hadid in his commentary on Nahj al-Balagha, this saying was spoken when Imam Ali (A.S.) was preparing for the Battle of the Camel. Some companions, including Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas and Abdullah ibn Umar, refused to support the Imam.
Imam Ali (A.S.) then said:
“Not everyone who falls into temptation deserves blame.”
Dr. Shahidi explains that when the Imam asked why they were unwilling to participate in the battle, they replied:
“We do not wish to kill a Muslim.”
The Imam asked:
“Do you still remain faithful to your pledge of allegiance to me?”
They answered:
“Yes.”
The Imam then said:
“Return to your homes.”
Afterward, he expressed this profound wisdom.
2. Three Interpretations of This Wisdom
First Interpretation
The Imam intended to excuse those individuals, indicating that their situation did not warrant blame because they sincerely believed they were acting correctly.
Second Interpretation
The Imam meant that they had become incapable of accepting guidance. Therefore, blaming them would serve no purpose, since reproach would have no effect on them.
Third Interpretation
The Imam intended that if someone like himself became involved in a conflict caused by widespread fitnah, people should not criticize those defending the truth. Rather, blame belongs to those who created and initiated the fitnah in the first place.
Practical Lessons
- A person who falls into temptation is someone who has become confused, misled, or harmed in matters concerning faith or worldly life.
- A person deserves blame only when they knowingly ignore clear evidence and willingly choose the path that leads into temptation.
- Therefore, not everyone who falls into error should immediately be criticized. Circumstances and intentions must first be carefully examined.
- The only situation in which a deceived person truly deserves blame is when they knowingly lead themselves toward destruction through poor judgment, wrong decisions, and irresponsible actions.
Self-Assessment
- What historical event was the reason behind this saying of Imam Ali (A.S.)?
- Mention any two of the three interpretations of this wisdom.
- Who is considered a person who has fallen into temptation, and when does such a person deserve blame or punishment?
About the Publisher
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