The Wali of Allah: Who Are They and How Can One Become a Wali?
In Islamic terminology, the term wali (plural: awliya) refers to a friend, supporter, or close ally of Allah (God). A wali of Allah is someone who enjoys a unique and intimate relationship with the Divine, characterized by a high degree of piety, sincerity, and spiritual closeness to God. These individuals are often regarded as the chosen ones, individuals who have achieved a level of spiritual excellence that places them in the favor of Allah. Becoming a wali is not an arbitrary process but a result of sincere devotion, following the path prescribed by Islam, and gaining Allah’s favor through acts of worship and righteousness.
This article aims to provide an in-depth understanding of who the awliya (friends of Allah) are, their characteristics, how one may become a wali of Allah, and the role they play in the life of a Muslim. It will also include references to the Quran and Hadith to support these explanations.
Who are the Awliya of Allah?
The word wali in Arabic comes from the root word walaa which means closeness, friendship, or support. In the context of Islamic spirituality, a wali is someone whom Allah supports and with whom He has a special bond due to their exemplary faith and piety.
1. The Definition of a Wali
A wali is someone who is beloved to Allah, whose actions and heart are aligned with the will of Allah. This person lives a life of complete submission to Allah and practices the teachings of Islam to the highest degree of sincerity and devotion. The concept of wali is often discussed in both the Quran and Hadith literature.
In the Quran, Allah mentions the awliya in several places. One of the most well-known verses regarding the awliya of Allah is:
“Indeed, the allies of Allah are no fear for them, nor will they grieve. Those who have believed and were fearing Allah.”
(Quran, Surah Yunus 10:62-63)
This verse establishes that the awliya of Allah are individuals who have a firm belief in God and maintain a strong consciousness of Him (taqwa). They are people who have a deep connection with Allah and trust in Him with absolute reliance.
In another famous verse, Allah affirms that His awliya are those who are steadfast in worship and sincerity:
“Allah is the Protector of those who have faith — He brings them out of darkness into light. But as for those who reject faith, their patrons are false gods who lead them from light into darkness.”
(Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:257)
2. Characteristics of a Wali of Allah
The wali of Allah has specific traits, as indicated by the Quran and Hadith:
- Taqwa (Piety): A wali has a strong sense of God-consciousness. They are always mindful of Allah’s presence in their lives and fear Him. This piety and devotion to Allah’s commands manifest in every aspect of their life.
- Sincerity (Ikhlas): The wali performs all acts of worship and good deeds purely for the sake of Allah, free from any desire for worldly recognition or reward.
- Obedience to Allah: The wali does not only refrain from sinful actions, but they strive to follow the commands of Allah as set out in the Quran and Hadith. They avoid major and minor sins and act according to the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
- Love for Allah and His Messenger: The wali has a profound love for Allah and His Messenger, as well as for the believers. This love translates into unwavering devotion to the practice of Islam.
- Humility and Patience: Despite their closeness to Allah, the awliya are often marked by extreme humility. They do not boast of their spiritual status or superiority. They are patient in the face of trials and do not lose hope in Allah’s mercy.
- Frequent Remembrance of Allah: A wali is one who consistently engages in dhikr (remembrance of Allah). This may include reciting Quranic verses, making supplications (du’a), and engaging in prayer (salah).
- Service to Others: A wali often serves others selflessly, helping those in need without expecting any reward except from Allah. This service may involve charity, guidance, and acting as a source of comfort and support for others.
The Spiritual Significance of Becoming a Wali of Allah
The status of being a wali of Allah is not just about being closer to Allah; it also holds deep spiritual significance. The awliya are often considered the spiritual leaders or guides for the broader Muslim community. They possess an understanding of the deeper meanings of the Quran and Hadith, which is often accompanied by divine inspiration (ilham) or a special insight granted by Allah. Their actions, therefore, become a model for others to emulate.
Furthermore, the awliya of Allah play a role in interceding for the people, particularly in times of distress. Though it is ultimately Allah who grants intercession, it is believed that the close relationship the awliya have with Allah allows them to pray for the forgiveness of others.
In Surah Al-Mujadila (58:22), Allah tells us that His believers, especially the awliya, are those who will be assisted in their righteous endeavors:
“You will not find any people who believe in Allah and the Last Day loving those who oppose Allah and His Messenger…”
(Quran, Surah Al-Mujadila 58:22)
This bond with the Divine grants the wali the strength to face the trials and challenges of life with steadfastness and unwavering faith.
How Can One Become a Wali of Allah?
The journey toward becoming a wali is not a simple one; it requires consistent effort, self-purification, and a deep commitment to pleasing Allah. While no one can claim to be a wali by their own merit, the Quran and Hadith provide guidelines on how one can strive to become close to Allah and earn His favor.
1. Strengthen Your Faith (Iman)
The foundation of becoming a wali is to have strong, unwavering faith in Allah. Faith is nurtured through knowledge, reflection, and constant affirmation of belief. One must sincerely believe in the oneness of Allah (Tawhid) and follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The stronger the faith, the closer one will be to Allah.
The Quran emphasizes the importance of faith and good deeds as prerequisites for becoming a wali:
“Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds – those are the best of creatures. Their reward with their Lord is Paradise, eternal therein, beneath which rivers flow, and He will be pleased with them, and they will be pleased with Him.”
(Quran, Surah Al-Bayyina 98:7-8)
2. Obey the Commands of Allah and Avoid Sin
The primary way to become a wali is by obeying Allah’s commands and avoiding disobedience. As the Quran mentions:
“And those who strive in Our cause – We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.”
(Quran, Surah Al-Ankabut 29:69)
This includes performing the five pillars of Islam: prayer (salah), fasting (sawm), charity (zakat), pilgrimage (hajj), and the testimony of faith (shahada). Along with these obligatory acts, a wali engages in voluntary acts of worship (nawafil) to draw nearer to Allah.
3. Cultivate Good Character
The wali is also known for their good character and moral conduct. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“The best among you are those who have the best manners and character.”
(Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
Being kind, patient, humble, and just are traits that help an individual earn the love of Allah. One must strive to purify their heart from negative traits such as arrogance, envy, and hatred.
4. Engage in Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)
Frequent remembrance of Allah through dhikr is a key means of attaining closeness to Him. Allah promises that those who remember Him will experience peace in their hearts:
“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.”
(Quran, Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:28)
Dhikr can take many forms, including reciting Quranic verses, praising Allah (e.g., saying SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar), and seeking His forgiveness.
5. Repent and Seek Forgiveness
A wali of Allah is not free from sin but is someone who consistently repents and seeks Allah’s forgiveness. Regular repentance (tawbah) is vital in maintaining a pure heart and soul. The Quran encourages believers to turn to Allah in repentance:
“And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves, remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins – and who can forgive sins except Allah?”
(Quran, Surah Al-Imran 3:135)
6. Live with a Purpose
The wali of Allah has a strong sense of purpose, knowing that every moment of their life is an opportunity to please Allah. They avoid distractions that pull them away from their devotion and make their lives centered around pleasing Allah in every action they take.
Conclusion
Becoming a wali of Allah is not a simple goal to achieve. It requires a deep commitment to worship, sincere love for Allah, and a constant striving to do good in the world. While there is no specific set of rituals that guarantee one’s status as a wali, the Quran and Hadith provide clear guidance on how to approach this journey. Through faith, obedience, good character, frequent remembrance of Allah, and regular repentance, a person may gradually earn Allah’s favor and, insha’Allah (God willing), attain the high station of a wali.
In the end, the status of being a wali is not for the self-aggrandizing, but for those who humbly seek to serve Allah and His creation. It is a lifelong pursuit of spiritual excellence, an aspiration to emulate the righteous, and ultimately, a desire to be beloved by the Creator of the heavens and the earth.
