Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq was once asked by the famous mystic Shaqiq al-Balkhi to describe what chivalry was [Ar. futuwwa]. So Imam Ja’far asked him back, “Well, what do you think it is?” Shaqiq replied, “If we are given [favors or gifts from someone] we thank them, and if we are not given [anything], we remain patient.”
“Even the dogs here in Madina do that!” Imam Ja’far exclaimed. Then Shaqiq asked, “O son of the Messenger of Allah [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him], then what is chivalry to you all [of the Prophetic household]?”
Imam Ja’far replied: “If we are given, we show appreciation… but if we are not given anything, we still thank them.” [Imam al-Qushayri, al-Risala]
“Even the dogs here in Madina do that!” Imam Ja’far exclaimed. Then Shaqiq asked, “O son of the Messenger of Allah [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him], then what is chivalry to you all [of the Prophetic household]?”
Imam Ja’far replied: “If we are given, we show appreciation… but if we are not given anything, we still thank them.” [Imam al-Qushayri, al-Risala]
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