2-56 (The compiler of the book narrated) that his father - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Ahmad ibn Idris quoted Muhammad ibn Ahmad, on the authority of Abdullah ibn Ahmad al-Razi, on the authority of Bakr ibn Salih, on the authority of Isma’il ibn Mihran, on the authorityof Muhammad ibn Hafs, on the authority of Yaqoob ibn Bashir, on the authority of Jabir, on the authority of Abi Ja’far al-Baqir (MGB) that

a man went to Basra to see the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (MGB) and said, “O Commander of the Faithful! Please inform me about my brethren.” The Commander of the Faithful (MGB) replied, “There are two types of brethren: sincere ones and hypocrites. The sincere brethren are similar to one’s hands, wings, and property. Once you find a sincere brother, do not hesitate to help him with your life and wealth. Be friends with his friends and be an enemy of his enemies. Cover up his flaws, and express his good deeds. However, you who ask should know that such friends are as scarce as red matches are. About hypocrites, you should only associate with them on the surface as they do with you. You should not expect anything else from them. Treat them just as they treat you in terms of being polite with and talking pleasantly with them.”