[174] Muhammad ibn Sinan (peace be upon him) was asked about the saying of the Al-Alim (Mighty is His Might): "Our discourse (hadithuna) is difficult and made difficult (sa'bun mustas'ab)?"

He [Ibn Sinan] replied:

"The 'difficult' (sa'b) is the consolation (muwasah) between the brethren, and the 'made difficult' (mustas'ab) is the equality (musawah); and He only commanded us with the consolation."

We asked: "You have taught us what 'consolation' (muwasah) between brethren is, but what is 'equality' (musawah)?"

He replied:

"Equality is that you treat your believing brother as equal to your own self and in everything you possess. If you possess two dirhams, you give him one; if you possess two dinars, you give him one. If you have a wife and your brother has no wife, you provide for his marriage through your wealth and your status (jah). This is 'equality'."