Abu Hamzah Ash-Shaybaanee (rahimahullaah) was asked about those who are (truly) considered to be brothers for the sake of Allaah, so he said, “They are those who act in obedience to Allaah and cooperate in helping one another to fulfil Allah’s command, even if they are separated physically and by their houses.” Abu Sulaymaan Ad-Daaraaniy (rahimahullaah) was informed of this statement of Abu Hamzah, so he said, “Indeed they act in obedience to Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic) and cooperate in helping one another to fulfil Allah’s command, but they cannot be (true) brothers until they visit one another and spend on one another [i.e. help a brother (or sister) financially to the best of one’s ability when in need].

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[Reported by Ibn Abee Dunyah’ in (Al-Ikhwaan.. page99)]