Imam Ali (A.S.) said:
“During times of tribulation, be like a young camel that is neither strong enough to be ridden nor mature enough to be milked.”
Key Vocabulary
Ibn al-Labūn (ابن اللبون): A young male camel that has completed its second year and entered its third. It is not yet strong enough to carry riders, and, being male, cannot be milked.
Ẓahr (ظهر): The back of an animal, used for carrying a rider or load.
Ḍarʿ (ضرع): The udder from which milk is obtained.
Summary of Wisdom One
During times of confusion, when truth and falsehood become difficult to distinguish, believers must exercise great caution so that they do not become caught in the turmoil of fitnah (tribulation) or unintentionally support those who spread corruption.
Imam Ali (A.S.) advises believers to resemble a young camel that is of no use either for riding or for milking. Because it is too young to bear a rider and has no udder to provide milk, no one can exploit it for personal benefit.
Likewise, believers should avoid becoming tools in the hands of those who create discord and corruption. They should neither contribute to fitnah nor assist those who seek to spread it, until the truth becomes clear and the causes of corruption can be identified and eliminated.
Notes
1. The Meaning of Fitnah
In Arabic, the word fitnah has several meanings, including trial, test, temptation, disbelief, and deviation.
In its social and political sense, however, it refers to conflict, confusion, and division among people that results in unrest, anxiety, tension, and instability.
Today, fitnah may be understood as complex events whose true nature is hidden. They often appear attractive on the surface while concealing corruption beneath. Such turmoil can lead societies toward chaos, destruction, hostility, violence, and bloodshed.
The motives behind fitnah are frequently political, such as the pursuit of power or social influence. At other times, they may be ideological or cultural, including the promotion of materialism, moral corruption, or the rejection of God and religious truths.
The Holy Qur’an emphasizes the seriousness of fitnah:
“Fitnah is more severe than killing.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:191)
While murder takes a person’s life, fitnah can destroy faith and undermine the peace and security of society. Faith and public security are among the greatest blessings granted to humanity.
Lessons and Reflections
1. Be Vigilant Against Fitnah
Because the causes of fitnah often arise from worldly ambitions and personal interests, it exists in every age. Believers must therefore remain vigilant and avoid falling into its traps.
2. Never Become a Tool of Corruption
By comparing the believer to a young camel, Imam Ali (A.S.) teaches that although believers continue to live among society during times of turmoil, they must never allow themselves to become instruments serving the goals of those who spread discord.
3. Wisdom Is Better Than Blind Involvement
Responding wisely to fitnah depends upon understanding its nature and circumstances. This guidance does not necessarily call for silence or complete withdrawal, since silence can sometimes allow those who create discord to exploit the situation further. Instead, believers should act with wisdom, discernment, and independence, ensuring that they neither strengthen nor legitimize corruption.
Self-Assessment
You should now be able to answer the following questions:
- What does the word fitnah mean linguistically and technically?
- Why does Imam Ali (A.S.) compare the believer to a young camel (Ibn al-Labūn) during times of fitnah?
Keywords
Fitnah • Tribulation • Moral Corruption • Social Unrest • Fitnah Is More Severe Than Killing • People of Fitnah • Political Motives • Nahj al-Balagha • Wisdom One • The Illuminated Path