WALÎ- ولي

 

Literally and Etymologically: It derives from the root w-l-y ( ي  ل و ), which literally signifies proximity, nearness, being intensely close (both physically and figuratively), or being bound by close protective bonds. The plural of walî is awliyâ (أولياء ).

As an Islamic Term: Exalted and exceptional ‘abds of Allah who have attained His specific nearness, special favour and love. They are the sâlih mu’mins who have purified their hearts through unwavering ‘ibâdah, profound taqwâ, absolute obedience and disciplined riyâzah. Rather than seeking to gratify the detrimental desires of their nafs, their entire existence is annihilated in seeking the pleasure and ultimate approval of Allah.

 

 

Yes, look to the ma’nawî collective personality of that absolute proof: The face of the earth is a masjid, Makkah a mihrab1 and Madinah a minbar2. Our Prophet ‘Alayhissalâtu Wassalâm, who is the evident proof, is the Imam to all the people of îmân, the preacher to all mankind, the leader of all the prophets, the sayyid of all the awliyâ and the chief leader of the circle of the dhikr formed from all the prophets and awliyâ. He is such a luminous tree, whose living roots are all the prophets and whose fresh fruits are all the awliyâ, that all the prophets — relying on their miracles — and all the awliyâ — relying on their karâmât — confirm and sign each of his (asm) claims.

For, he says and claims

لاَ اِلهَ اِلاَّ اللّٰهُ

All those on the left and the right — that is to say, those luminous dhâkirs lined up in the past and the future — by repeating the same word through consensus (ijmâ’), in a ma’nawî manner, declare

صدقتَ و بالحق نطقت3

The Nineteenth Word-1st Droplet