Chivalry (futuwwat) is considered to be a trait of the Sufis of Khurasan, as well as being a cornerstone of Sufism. In fact, it should be pointed out that the chevaliers (jawanmardan) existed before the Sufis, then later became attracted to Sufism. Chivalry means always putting others before oneself, serving them with heart and soul without making them feel obligated or expecting anything of them in return.

Abu Hafs Haddad said, "In my view, chivalry is where you deal fairly with others, and do not expect fairness toward yourself."

The following story illustrates well the nature of true chivalry:

Spending the night in Medina, a pilgrim awoke the next morning to find all his money missing. Going out in the early morning, he encountered Imam Ja'far Sadiq, whom he immediately accused of taking his money.

"How much was taken?" asked the Imam.

"A thousand dinars," replied the pilgrim.

Imam Ja'far then invited the man to accompany him to his house, where he took out exactly that amount and gave it to him. However, when the man returned to his place, he suddenly happened upon the money that had supposedly been stolen behind a vase where it had fallen. The man immediately went back to Imam Ja'far to return the money he had given him. Imam Ja'far refused, though, to accept it, saying, "Anything we lose, we should not expect to be returned."