The people of the Outward (Ahl al-Zahir) say the interpretation of this is the allegiance (Walaya) to Ali ibn Abi Talib, about which they are asked. In the Inward (Al-Batin), it means that the soul stops at the transition (Al-Nuqla) and is questioned about benevolence toward the brethren; if it has fulfilled [this], it is saved, and if it has not fulfilled [it], it returns to the human realm (Al-Nasut), the repetition in bodies (Al-Takrir), and the narrowness of wombs." After all this, he said: "Your brother is your religion; so preserve your religion."

Also reported with this meaning from the Knower (Al-‘Alim)—peace be from him—is that he said: "Whoever meets God with three traits, God shall permit him whatever he desires." It was said: "O my master, what are they?" He said: "That he knows the friends of God (Awliya) and gives them his allegiance, knows the enemies of God and disavows them, and knows the rights of his brothers and fulfills them."

What is meant by the "rights of the brothers" are religious gnosis (Al-Ma‘arif), worldly benefits, and the prevention of harm to them; and he who upholds that has indeed upheld their outward and inward rights, and God knows best.

Similar in meaning is what was reported from Al-Adawi, from Hammad, from Al-Mufaddal, from Al-Sadiq [peace be from him], who said: "O Mufaddal, seek refuge through me regarding your companions." I said: "My master, rather they seek refuge from Your wrath."