The loss of governance by Ameerul Momineen (a.s) definitely pains every sentimental human being but more than this is the grief of deprivation of the Wisdom of Ali (a.s). If the governance of Ali (a.s) would have been established and continued on the same principles as desired by Ali (a.s) than the humanity would not have suffered so many pains and sorrows. The cloak of humanity would not have torn like this, the laps of justice would not have been shredded like this, the negligence of man would not have been shattered like this, human beings prestige would not have been stampeded, man would not have been a hunter of man, today lust and desires would not be ruling and the blood of progeny of Adam would not be so cheap. The governance of Ali could not continue due to ignorant, fools, power hungry beings, narrow minded ones and accumulators of wealth but the sad part is why did the wisdom of Ali became obsolete? That wisdom which is the basis of privilege for every generation, the wisdom which is the extract of divine revelations, the wisdom for which the leaders of humanity had to bear trouble and difficulties in every domain, the wisdom for which Allah (s) aroused Prophets and for which the Saints of Allah had to bear difficulties, for which every generation of man has put in tireless efforts. The same wisdom for which Allah (s) has said:

وَمَن يُؤْتَ الْحِكْمَةَ فَقَدْ أُوتِيَ خَيْرًا كَثِيراً
..and whoever is granted wisdom, he indeed is given a abundant good
Surah Baqarah - 269

The Holy Prophet (s) was aroused for the purpose of teaching this same Wisdom.

وَيُعَلِّمُهُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ
" And he will teach you the Book and Wisdom"
Surah Ale Imran: 48

Holy Quran is the source of Wisdom

وَأَنزَلَ اللّهُ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ
" and Allah revealed to you the book and Wisdom"
Surah Nisa: 113

ذَلِكَ مِمَّا أَوْحَى إِلَيْكَ رَبُّكَ مِنَ الْحِكْمَةِ
" this is what your revealed to you of Wisdom"
Surah Isra: 29

The artistic work of Holy Prophet's (s.a.w.s) School of Wisdom is the same personality whom he raised, taught him the book of wisdom and then for him said:

" I am the city of Wisdom and Ali's is its gate; and it is only possible to enter the city through its gate."

The acquisition of Ameerul Momineen (a.s) from Divine wisdom was all expressed by him for the guidance of Ummah (nation).

Nahjul Balagha is one specimen of Ali's wisdom. The sermons in it are also wisdom, the letters are also full of wisdom and towards the end the short sayings are also wisdom which have been given the title of orders and instructions.

The exposition of Nahjul Balagha in the form of a book would God willing be made available to the readers. In this magazine we will present the interpretations of orders and instructions.

The Wisdom of Ali (a) is the name of comprehensive principles which are related to every dimension of human beings life. These principles are universal for every era, every generation, every region, every school, every level and every field. If life is spent under the umbrella of these principles than the earth will present the environment of Paradise.

Wisdom No: 1

"During the times of "Fitna" behave like a baby she-camel whose back cannot be used for riding and also it cannot be milked."

In Arabic "Laboon" refers to a milking she-camel and refers to its two years old baby. In this age the baby she-camel is neither capable of being ridden and neither does it possess milking globules so that it can be milked.

"Fitna" means putting into test and examination something for the sake of separating purity and impurity. In Arabic "Iftinaan" means refining Gold and Silver in fire to remove dross. Since this process has difficulties, hardships and bitterness this process is known as "Fitna". Thus "Fitna" means those circumstances which possess difficulties, hardships, trouble and calamities. (Since "Fitna" is very difficult to be translated into a single word in English as it encompasses Schism, Secession, , Upheaval and Anarchy all together, we will restrict ourselves to use the Arabic word "Fitna" in this article)

Panic, schism, secession, dissension, anarchy ,civil disturbances, riots, murder, killing, war etc are termed as "Fitna" because they possess difficulty, hardship and bitterness. In all these situations one thing is common that in these situation the difference between truth and falsehood gets lost. The right and wrong gets mixed; the right paths are mixed with false paths.

Thus "Fitna" in terminology is invention of such a state and circumstances which has disturbances, riots, discords, killings and murder, genocide and disorder where truth and falsehood are not clear; the affairs are entangled in such a way that an ordinary person cannot differentiate between truth and falsehood.

In the Holy Quran "Fitna" has been used for test and examinations; and it has also been used for disturbances and panics. "Fitna" in either state of examination or panic is a means of distress for man. Thus more important is that man should be aware about his actions and role under situations of "Fitna". Since in the first wise saying of Nahjul Balagha "Fitna" refers to panic, anarchy and civil disturbances  and it is for this state that Ali (a.s) has mentioned to be like a two years baby she-camel we will talk in more details about this aspect here.

The Identification of "Fitna"

The first thing related to "Fitna" which is necessary for man to understand is the identification of "Fitna". This is because it is generally seen that ordinary persons either do not consider "Fitna" as "Fitna" or they consider every incident as "Fitna". The losses due to considering of different types of issues as "Fitna" are much more as compared to the losses due to considering "Fitna" as an ordinary and simple topic.

To become part of every incident indulges man into  "Fitna" and taking a corner by considering every incident as "Fitna" makes a person irresponsible and cold. To distance from the battle between Truth and Falsehood by considering it as "Fitna" itself is a sign of yourself becoming a victim of "Fitna". Historical analysis reveals such ignorant sacred personalities who have always distanced themselves from the battle of Truth and Falsehood and the justification given was this is "Fitna" and we should not become part of it. Even today such stupid ignorant are present who interpret the icons of battle between Truth and Falsehood as "Fitna". Many sacred personalities did not participate in the battle of Karbala because according to them this was a  "Fitna" in the Ummah (nation). They thought that the battle between Yazid and the Doyen of Martyrs is a "Fitna" and they should become (baby she-camel) in this whereas the Quran has declared the battle between Truth and Falsehood as Holy War (Jihad). It has declared participation in this as obligatory and those who separate themselves from this without a divinely accepted justification are accursed in the eyes of Quran, religion and Allah. The Quran has called those who did not support the Messenger (s.a.w.s) as accursed. This was the reason that some sacred beings did not support Ameerul Momineen (a.s) ; for them the fight between Ali (a.s) and people of Damascus was a "Fitna" and they had become (baby she-camel) during "Fitna". In several sermons Ameerul Momineen (a.s) has called them accursed and sons of accursed (Ibne Maloon). Even today in the encounters of Truth and Falsehood some sons of accursed (Ibne Maloon) are having the misunderstanding of being (baby she-camel)

" When "Fitna" comes they put people in doubts and when they leave they make them Alert.  "Fitna" are not identified when they come but are identified when they leave. They keep on circling like winds, taking certain towns under their control and ignoring some."

Ameerul Momineen (a.s) is saying that when "Fitna" comes it makes everything dubious, they change truth into falsehood and vice versa. The beginning of "Fitna" starts with conjectures and suspicions because those causing discord in order to spread "Fitna" put the dress of truth over falsehood and give the colour of falsehood to truth. They benefit from all public deception tricks. They take help from respected personalities within people and by using public favourite slogans they prepare the environment. Such an environment is called  "Fitna" where no one is able to understand anything. In the environment of "Fitna" people do not possess the power of looking and understanding each other.

Ameerul Momineen (a.s) is saying that "Fitna" are like winds which can take the direction of any town which means every community and nation should remain alert. The way the wind changes it course and can move in any direction similarly  "Fitna" also rises from somewhere and takes some other community under its grip. When "Fitna" happens at any place or in any community everything irrespective of their will gets involved in this. There is no one who can get away from this; men, women, children, scholars, ignorant, elder and youths all become its victim.

The Deception of "Fitna" is by its outward appearance

It feels as if Truth has come out exposing itself completely.  "Fitna" deceives men with its outward appearance. It has truth in its outward where inside is full of falsehood. By outward it looks like reformation but in reality is corruption. In the outward looks constructive but inside is destructive. In the outward is unity but behind the veils is discord. In front love is seen but behind is hatred. On the tongues is faith but in the heart is transgression and indecency. In the outward is friendship but inside is enmity. The slogan is of peace but in the actions are war and weapons.

 "Fitna" is out of control

One specialty of  "Fitna" is that it is out of control. Ameerul Momineen (a.s) says that "Fitna" are like winds but not like the pleasant morning breeze but like those storms that uproot everything. They are like cyclones which ruins towns, destroys crops, brings down buildings and crushes the population. It is not possible to control storms and cyclones.

The way storms and cyclones uproot big trees similarly during  "Fitna" also the feet of big time personalities are uprooted; and they bang them from one place to another. It cannot be predicted for those riding on the back of  "Fitna" as to which land they will throw them.

 "Fitna" is like heavy fire

 "Fitna" are like heavy fire which burns to ashes everything. The towns constructed over centuries are completely destroyed and eradicated by the flames of  "Fitna". Centuries old forests are turned to dust in few moments and ready crop turn into ashes after being gripped by this fire.

Similarly the fire of "Fitna" burns into piles of ashes the century old unity, community and brotherhoods. The old time firm relationships end, friendships turn into enmity, instead of development piles of lowliness remains, instead of spring of settlements the autumn of destitution comes over, the magnificent buildings of knowledge and wisdom turns into piles of ruins due to ignorance and prejudice.

The losses of "Fitna"

Ameerul Momineen while discussing about the losses of  "Fitna" says: During  "Fitna" the foundations of religion become lethargic, the pillars of faith loose their base, realties get mixed up with mischief and imaginations, all the roads for coming out of darkness are closed, the lamps of guidance turn off and light of deep vision ends, disobedience of Allah becomes common, disobeying the religion of Allah becomes routine, the obedience to Satan becomes common, the foundations of divine and human values loose ground, negligence is seen towards religious values and responsibilities, religious teachings are put behind the back, the state of people become like reign less flock, the manifestation of Satanic acts increase in abundance, peace and comfort terminates from societies, the dark shadow of sorrow and grief covers the society, the scholars and intellectuals become secluded in society struck by  "Fitna" and their mouths are sealed, the ignorant and illiterates are free and their tongues are open. This means in a society under the grip of  "Fitna" the issues and subjects on which the scholars should express their thoughts they remain silent whereas the ignorant start to express their thoughts on the same. This can also imply that people instead of referring towards scholars refer to ignorant.

Thus the first stage is that of identifying  "Fitna" and this is the most tough and difficult state because "Fitna" in the beginning is difficult to identify just like Ameerul Momineen (a.s) says that when "Fitna" takes place it makes people dubious. This means people are not able to understand them easily and this is the reason that at times they give a warm welcome to  "Fitna" and due to misunderstandings become a part of them.

The causes for the birth of  "Fitna"

Ameerul Momineen (a.s) while getting our attention towards the cause of birth for  "Fitna" says:

" The beginning or initiation of  "Fitna" are following of carnal human desires and the carved rituals and innovations against the Book of Allah. For the sake of propagating innovations some become partners to other or become their deputies thereby separating themselves from the religion of Allah. If falsehood would have remained free from adulteration with Truth then it would not have remained concealed from the followers of truth and if truth would have remained pure by not getting mixed up with falsehood than the mouths of deniers of truth would have remained shut. But what happens is that something is taken from here and something from there then both are mixed together. Under such circumstances Satan dominates his friends and partners; and salvation is only for those who have been granted divine opportunity and blessing from before."

Self Desires

Ameerul Momineen (a.s) says that "Fitna" are started by self Carnal desires. Self Desires are those attractions and orientations which are developed inside human being due to the carnal self (Nafse Ammara) and these are always against divine orders and intelligence. Just like desire for world, for wealth and money, for governance and position, sexual desires, self love and self admirations, etc.

When desires increase beyond limits in an uncultured and non nurtured person then he takes support of every possible means to fulfil them. If they cannot fulfil them through normal and common means than they resort to "Fitna". They create doubts making the minds of people suspicious, by creating panic they take advantage from the circumstances, by creating defects they accomplish their intentions, they reach the desired position and rulership through wars and battles and for the sake of fame they adulterate truth with falsehood.

Innovations (Bidd'ah)

The second cause due to which "Fitna"' rises are innovations (Bidd'ah). For the sake of fulfilment of carnal desires the follower of desires can take any step and even if he has to invent innovations in religion he does not refrain from doing it. The environment of "Fitna" is the most appropriate for fulfilment of carnal desires and for creating "Fitna" innovations (Bidd'ah) are the most appropriate thing. A innovator not just carves new religious laws but also carves a complete new religion. Everything which is not part of religion and not the need of society its invention is innovation (Bidd'ah). Making new groups, non essential centres, spreading new thoughts and even if it deems necessary to construct Masjid-e-Zirar they make that also. Every act through which disobedience of Allah can be done is innovation (Bidd'ah)

Cooperating in "Fitna"

Those who create "Fitna" support each other. In order to promote innovations and "Fitna" cooperating with each other is their charter and in fact in this current era there is cooperation at global level to cooperate with each other. One group or country makes the plan for "Fitna", second provides financial support, third gives his homeland and fourth organizes technical capabilities.

The coating of truth over falsehood

Ali (a.s) says if falsehood stands out and is non adulterated than "Fitna" can never be created because the followers of truth will immediately identify and reject it. Thus falsehood is either mixed with truth or falsehood is coated with a layer of truth due to which it resembles truth thereby deceiving the followers of truth. "Fitna" can never be created by pure falsehood but instead some truth and some falsehood are mixed to create "Fitna".

Following Satan

One other cause for the birth of "Fitna" is following Satan. A person who becomes captive of his self carnal desires definitely becomes a follower of Satan. Satan is the best leader and guide for the followers of carnal desires. He counsels them for creating "Fitna", shows them ways and arranges means and associates.

Simplicity

One more effective activator in the beginning of "Fitna" is simplicity which means foolishness, stupidity and deficiency in understanding issues. There are always certain persons who are deficient and unable to understand issues which can be easily deceived. They can be mislead with any deceiving subject. These kind of persons are generally the best supporters, aids and deputies of "Fitna"; and in fact this group is the real victim of "Fitna"; the creators of "Fitna" step in the field depending on them. In the battle of Siffeen by raising Quran on spearheads the stupid and immature persons in the army of Ameerul Momineen  (a.s) were deceived. The involvement of these simpletons in the birth of "Fitna" is of the same extent as that of the followers of carnal desires. Even if they are reminded that this is "Fitna" still they do not understand and become a part of it considering it as their religious obligation.

Prejudice

One other effective activator of "Fitna" is prejudice. Prejudice means extreme relation with something to the extent of insensible and illogical support of the thing. Just like communal prejudice, religious prejudice, regional prejudice, lingual prejudice, genetic and tribal prejudice, etc.

"Fitna" can be raised easily in an environment of prejudice. The society which possesses ignorant prejudices presents a prepared environment for "Fitna" just like the presence of this environment in Pakistan. The thing about which people have severe prejudices is made a subject and with few rumours a "Fitna" can be created. In fact in prejudicial communities those want to spread "Fitna" do not need to put more efforts. It is only required to show a spark to the fuel of prejudice and rest is taken care off by the prejudiced persons. Prejudice makes people blind and deaf; and for the sake of spreading "Fitna" such type of persons are required. Thus prejudice is such kind of support in which man sacrifices everything out of blindness.

Negligence and Hastiness

Negligence plays a big role in the development of "Fitna". Certain persons due to negligence from truth or from subject of matter end up creating "Fitna" or becoming part of some "Fitna". Similarly hastiness is also another inspirer of "Fitna". It is therefore mentioned in narrations that hastiness is a Satanic affair. It intends to say that a person without thinking, without means and without arranging a suitable time and circumstances indulge into some action. Such hasty things becomes the basis of "Fitna". The Holy Quran has also pointed towards this weakness of man

The different characters in "Fitna"

Different persons have different roles in "Fitna". Certain the play the role of hosts in "Fitna" whereas certain are supporters and deputies. Some arrange for the spark to flame the fire of "Fitna", some bring fuel and some blow air to increase the flames; and some sprinkle oil on the burning fire of "Fitna".

The vehicles of "Fitna"

Ameerul Momineen (a.s) says that you should not become hosts for "Fitna", you should not become part of "Fitna" also. Man can become part of "Fitna" in two ways; either by giving it a ride or by feeding milk to it. The meaning of giving ride means "Fitna" should not mount on your back, you should not become its support, by taking your support any "Fitna" should not cause havoc. Certain persons position during "Fitna" and anarchy is just like this that if they separate themselves the "Fitna" would subside on its own because it does not have the potential in it to move forward. Those who start to give rides to "Fitna" are like donkeys since they at times don't even pay attention to the big burden of "Fitna" which they are carrying on their back.

The midwife of "Fitna"

There are some people who are busy feeding milk to "Fitna" and have a conjecture that they are providing big services. "Fitna" similar to a beast needs food to grow and if this food is continuously and on time provided then it further grows but if food stops to be served then it dies its own death

By participating in visionary, ideological and thoughts "Fitna" and giving proofs for denial or verification , doing debates, giving speeches, writing books etc is tantamount to feeding milk to "Fitna". When truth and falsehood are mixed and doubts are induced in the minds of people than at this time entering this "Fitna" by becoming a supporter of any party is equivalent to enhancing "Fitna". Issuing verdicts (Fatwa) under the atmosphere of "Fitna", gathering verdicts and broadcasting them all come under the same category. Some people are occupied in complicating the subjects of "Fitna" and they give this act the name of defending truth or intellectual research. It is possible they are themselves not attentive but these are people who are feeding milk to "Fitna" and are continuously fattening them. This is the difference between issues and "Fitna" that issues are resolved with proofs, they become clear with verdicts (Fatwa) but "Fitna" is further flamed with proofs and verdicts. The same applies for differences and "Fitna" whereby differences are resolved with research and debates whereas "Fitna" spread further. This is the reason Ameerul Momineen (a.s) is saying: Do not give ride to "Fitna" and do not feed milk to it but instead become (baby she-camel) so that "Fitna" does not advances further through you.

The spectators of "Fitna"

Some people become complete spectators during "Fitna"  and become completely disassociated from them. According to them (baby she-camel) means separating yourself from the environment of "Fitna" and sitting separately as silent spectators though this is an incorrect stance. (baby she-camel) does not mean becoming silent spectators during "Fitna" but instead it means not giving ride to it and and restricting everyone to milk it; and not that you should become silent spectators.

Ameerul Momineen (a.s) says that neither become a host for "Fitna", nor become its supporter and deputy, neither those who spread it, nor become part of it and also do not become silent spectators but instead awaken the participants of "Fitna" from their negligence. Make them aware about the type and essence of the matter which means tell people that this is a "Fitna" and they should avoid becoming a part of it. Since "Fitna" is spread with the support of Self Carnal desires and Innovations (Bidd'ah) thus religion orders that when innovations are seen than the scholars should manifest their knowledge else curse of Allah will be on him.

The role of Scholar during "Fitna"

A scholar should step out in the field when "Fitna" and Innovations (Bidd'ah) start to appear. If he remains silent then he won't be but instead "Ibne Maloon", the son of accursed. Thus anyone who remains silent under such circumstances thinking that he is then according to the saying of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s) he is accursed

The expression of knowledge does not mean that a scholar starts boasting about his knowledge and fires out verdicts (Fatwa) because acts like this is not expression of knowledge instead it is milking "Fitna". He should make people aware about the background behind "Fitna", he should introduce the motivators and activators behind the "Fitna", he should alert people from becoming part of "Fitna" and should inform them about the results and consequences of "Fitna". This is exactly what Ameerul Momineen (a.s) did; He did not remain silent on such situation but instead made people aware about it, warned them, got their attention towards the consequences of "Fitna", talked about the background of "Fitna", specified its cause and activators and made attempts to keep people away from being part of "Fitna". And He (a.s) even brought to the attention of people the "Fitna" coming in future. He even informed them about the things which they should avoid and things which they should take support of at times of "Fitna". He (a.s) says:

" O people! Steer clear through the waves of "Fitna" by boats of salvation, turn away from the path of dissensions and put off the crowns of pride, Prosperous is he who rises with wings else he has to hand over the reigns of affairs (governance) to others and sit comfortably."

While making people aware about the "Fitna" Ameerul Momineen (a.s) also unveiled some faces who were spreading "Fitna". He took the name of Bani Umayyah and said: Beware of them else you will be indulged in most destructive "Fitna".

Ameerul Momineen (a.s) while breaking the silence as regards to "Fitna" and making people aware about its reality said:

"O Arab community! You are going to become target of such calamities which are very near. Refrain from intoxication of lavish life and be afraid of destructions by wrath, be firm in the heavy fog of suspicions and put a brake on your feet in the deviations of "Fitna". All this when its hidden dangers raises its head, its hidden estimations opens up and when its noose is getting strengthened.

"Fitna" always comes forward through hidden secret routes and they terminate on explicitly open evils and disobedience.

The rising of "Fitna" is just like an infant child but its marks are like lines on rocks. The oppressors keep on becoming its inheritors by making covenants and agreements, the past is the follower of present and the present follower of past, they confront each other for the sake of lowly and abased word, and they pounce on each for this stale corpse. But very soon the followers will express their frustration from their devotee and vice versa , they will separate from each other out of hatred and enmity and when they will meet each other it will be with curses.

After this one shattering peace and security "Fitna" will come which would be destructive and will attack the creation of Allah with severity due to which many hearts after showing perseverance will become dodgy and many persons after being secured will become deviated. On its assault the desires will clash with each other and at its appearance the ideological thoughts will become dubious.

Anyone bowing down to look at this "Fitna" will be destroyed by it and anyone who tries to run within it will also be destroyed.

During this "Fitna" people will run to bite each other similar to wild assess biting each other in a herd. The knots of Allah's ropes will get untied, the path of true governance will become concealed, the spring of wisdom will become dry, the tongues of oppressors will open up.

This "Fitna" will stampede many settlements with its hammer and crush them with its spear. Individuals on their own will get lost in its dust and the travellers on its path will be assassinated. These "Fitna" will come along with the bitterness of divine fate and will milk blood instead of milk.

The minarets of religion will come down and the knots of certainty will break, intellectual and people of understanding will run away from it whereas mischief mongers will be their whole sole care takers. These "Fitna" will be of lightening and thunder, they will rise with full force, all relations will get tampered during these "Fitna" and people will adopt separation and seclusion from Islam. Those who were staying away from these will also get involved it and those trying to run away from these will also get trapped.

Some in these will get martyred whose blood will also not be avenged and some will be scared and in pursuit of a place for refuge. They will be deceived with treacheries of oaths and faith.

Beware ! You should not become the target of these "Fitna" and care takers of these innovations (Bidd'ah). Be firm on the same path on which the believers are and the path on which the elements of obedience are established. Go as oppressed in the presence of Allah and not as oppressor. Stay away from the path of Satan and centres of oppression. Do not put forbidden morsels in your stomach because you are eating it in the presence of One who has made disobedience forbidden for you and has made the path of obedience easy for you."