Who Are the Awliya’ of Allah?

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> **TL;DR:** The Awliya’ of Allah (Awliya’ — plural of Wali, “those brought near” and “beloved friends”) are believers distinguished by faith and God‑consciousness, for whom Allah promises “no fear” and “no grief” [TAF3] [TAF1]. Their path is to fulfill obligations and then persist in voluntary worship until Allah loves them — a love that brings special guidance, answered prayers, and protection [HAD1] [TAF4].

## Who the Awliya’ are and how they are recognized
Awliya’ (singular: Wali) denotes nearness and protective friendship; in Qur’anic usage it refers to those brought close to Allah in love and care [TAF6]. Allah characterizes them plainly: “Those who believe and remain ever‑mindful (have taqwa)” — i.e., faith (Iman) and consistent God‑conscious restraint — and declares for them “no fear nor will they grieve” [TAF1] [TAF3]. This safety is not a vague promise; it signifies enduring inner security and divine glad tidings in life and afterlife, rooted in steadfastness on faith and restraint [TAF9]. There is a general sense in which all believers have Allah as their Friend and Protector, yet the special nearness called Wilayah (Wilayah — “station of nearness and protective friendship”) is a distinct degree granted to particular servants [TAF2] [TAF1]. Its hallmark is abundant remembrance and constancy in obedience: a heart absorbed in Allah, loving and hating only for Him, avoiding what He dislikes, and living in continual Dhikr (Dhikr — “remembrance of Allah”) and compliance [TAF4].

The Prophet (peace be upon him) relayed from his Lord that divine love is attained by a precise sequence: begin with the Fara’id (obligations) and then persist in Nawafil (supererogatory acts) until Allah loves the servant; then Allah protects their hearing, sight, hands, and feet — and answers their Du‘a (supplications) and grants them refuge [HAD1]. Classical guidance clarifies: a Wali (Wali — “close friend of Allah”) emerges from much ‘Ibadah (‘Ibadah — “worshipful devotion”), avoidance of sins, detachment from worldly excess, and close following of the Sunnah (Sunnah — “Prophetic way”) — never by abandoning the Shari‘ah; if someone flaunts the law, they are not a Wali regardless of any unusual feats [RIS1]. True Karamah (Karamah — “miracle granted to a saint”) may occur, but it neither elevates one above Prophets nor licenses any breach of the law; inspirations (Kashf/Ilham) are accepted only if they conform to Shari‘ah [RIS1] [RIS5].

### How one walks their path today
The “blueprint” for Wilayah highlighted by the exegetes has three parts: keep the company of a Wali, obey their sound counsel, and practice abundant Dhikr — all in loyalty to the Sunnah [TAF5]. Because character is contagious, intimate companionship should be chosen carefully: “A person follows the way of his close friend, so let each one look closely at whom he befriends” [HAD4]. Excellence in social conduct is integral to this path: “The best of companions to Allah is the best to his companion, and the best neighbor is the best to his neighbor,” anchoring Wilayah in everyday beneficence [HAD2]. Justice is a defining trait of those near to Allah — such people will be on pulpits of light by the Most Merciful — so leaders must be scrupulously fair in judgment and stewardship [HAD7]. Guarding Tawhid (Tawhid — “God’s oneness”) is essential: do not blend Allah’s will with others in speech or reliance — replace phrases like “by Allah and by you” with formulations that avoid pairing Allah with creation — as such expressions are forms of subtle shirk (Shirk — “associating partners with Allah”) [HAD8]. Likewise, avoid exaggerated practices at graves; the Prophet forbade taking graves as places of prayer and warned against the excesses that led past nations astray [HAD5]. As a concise directive, “Come totally into obedience to Allah and seek how to please Him in every moment” summarizes the living method toward Wilayah [FAT1].

### Practical examples for modern professionals
- Structure your day around the Fara’id (obligations) — pray every Salat (Salat — “structured five daily prayers”) on time — then add steady Nawafil like regular Sunnah prayers, Duha, and Witr; this is the primary road to Allah’s love and answered prayers [HAD1].  
- Build a short Dhikr routine for commutes and breaks — e.g., regular istighfar (seeking forgiveness), salawat (sending blessings), and “La ilaha illa Allah” — sustaining the heart’s nearness and presence [TAF4] [TAF5].  
- Lead teams with transparent justice, consistent processes, and care for those under your charge — seeking Allah’s pulpit of light by upholding fairness in judgment and responsibility [HAD7].  
- Choose a circle that strengthens faith and ethics; be deliberate about mentors and peers whose presence nudges you toward remembrance and integrity [HAD4] [TAF5].  
- Serve neighbors and colleagues in concrete ways — sharing time, support, and benefit — cultivating the “best neighbor/companion” rank with Allah [HAD2].  
- Safeguard monotheism in language and practice; avoid phrases and acts that suggest equals with Allah, even subtly, keeping Tawhid pristine [HAD8] [HAD6].  
- Keep grave‑related worship and seeking from the dead off‑limits; distinguish lawful Tawassul (Tawassul — “asking Allah by the honor/status of a pious person”) from prohibited Istighathah (Istighathah — “directly seeking unseen help from others”); the former petitions Allah, whereas the latter resembles the calling of polytheists and is impermissible, though not every perpetrator becomes a disbeliever absent specific corrupt beliefs [FAT6].

### Lived benefits
Allah Himself is the Friend and Protector of the faithful

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Who Are the Awliya’ of Allah?

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