Detailed Explanation — Wisdom (17): About those people who stayed away from fighting by being with you. He said, These people abandoned the truth and did not support falsehood.

In Wisdom (17), Imam Ali (a.s.) addresses those who refrained from fighting alongside him. This commentary reflects on the historical context of the early Islamic community, particularly during the tumultuous period of the caliphate when battles like the Battle of Jamal and the Battle of Siffin took place. The Imam's words highlight the gravity of neutrality in times of conflict.

The wisdom conveys that by choosing not to engage, these individuals abandoned the truth. This indicates that inaction in the face of injustice is a form of complicity. The Imam emphasizes that remaining neutral does not equate to moral superiority; rather, it signifies a failure to take a stand for what is right.

A key theme here is the moral obligation of individuals to support the truth actively. The Imam’s assertion that these people did not support falsehood either suggests that neutrality is a passive acceptance of the status quo, which can be detrimental to the community.

The practical takeaway from this wisdom is the importance of being proactive in the pursuit of justice and truth. It serves as a reminder that in times of moral crisis, one must choose a side. The wisdom encourages believers to engage in their communities and uphold the values of justice and truth, rather than retreating into silence. This is a call to action for all to reflect on their responsibilities in the face of injustice.