In Section 11 of Kashf al-Mahjub, Hojviri defines altruism (ithar) as preferring the welfare of others over one's own, grounding the concept in the Quranic verse 'they prefer others over themselves, even though they are in need' (al-Hashr 59:9), revealed concerning the poor among the Prophet's Companions. Hojviri explains that in companionship the reality of ithar is to uphold the rights of one's companion, to defer one's own portion in favor of theirs, and to take hardship upon oneself for the sake of the companion's ease. He connects this to the divine command that the Prophet 'take what is easy, enjoin kindness, and turn away from the ignorant' (al-A'raf 7:199). Hojviri then distinguishes two modes of ithar: one exercised in companionship (suhbat) and another exercised in love (mahabbat), promising a fuller treatment in the chapter on the etiquette of companionship.