What the Imam means by this tradition is that during a rebellion, when two groups who are both in the wrong get violent and cause trouble and sedition in the society, one must not take sides with either of them not letting any of them exploit him in any way. The traditions narrated from the Ahl al-Bayt which promote seclusion are in fact related to such a context where one's taking sides with either of the two groups only adds more fuel to the tensions and brings about more disorder.
It is noteworthy that the Imam does not mean that when a group of transgressors revolt against the believers and those in the right and cause disorder in the society, one must step aside not even supporting the believers, for this is in clear conflict with the teachings of the Quran where God Almighty says: "And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah." [The Quran, 49:9]
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