الْوَلِيُّ
The Protector
Al-Waliyy
The Protector
The friend and ally of believers, who guides those who have faith from darkness into light.
Bakara 2:257
Virtue
Al-Waliyy declares that Allah is the true friend, helper, and protector of those who believe. In Surah al-Baqarah 2:257 He says: 'Allah is the protector (Waliyy) of those who believe; He brings them out of darkness into light.' Al-Waliyy and Al-Wali are close but distinct: Al-Wali in the sense of 'administrator' is more general; Al-Waliyy specifically means 'beloved friend.' The servant who reflects on this name realizes what it means to be a friend (wali) of Allah—they stop seeking support among people. The real support is in Al-Waliyy. For the wali servants, Allah has special honors reserved.
Related Hadith
In a sacred hadith Allah, Exalted is He, said: 'Whoever shows hostility to a friend (wali) of Mine, I declare war on him. My servant draws near to Me with nothing more beloved to Me than what I have made obligatory. My servant continues to draw near to Me with voluntary deeds until I love him.'
[Buhârî, Rikāk, no. 6502]
