Upon this ruling proceed all other rulings the poor followers: the obligation of charity upon them and its distribution by the believer is from three aspects: from his wealth, his knowledge, and his self.

Consolation and equality

The lowest of its stations is Muwasa [Assisting], which is to assist with some of your wealth those who are below you. The middle of them is Musawa [Equality], which is to be as the Scholar—peace be from him—said:

"Be you and your brother in religion and the world as one law." This is mandatory for you toward those who are below you in your degree. The highest of them is Ithar [Altruism], which is to prefer over yourself the one who is above your rank.

Among the reports concerning Muwasa and Musawa in the books of Monotheism is what Abu al-Hasan Ali ibn Muhammad al-Kufi narrated from his masters. He said: A man came to al-Sadiq—peace be from him—and said to him: "I love to practice equality [Musawa]." The Imam said: "You will find those to assist [Muwasa], but you will not find those to equal [Musawa]." The man said: "I love to know the two." The Imam said: "The one you must equal must have three traits: First, test him in Anger; if anger leads him to a vile act, then be gentle with him and assist him [Muwasa].