The Near Friend

Friend and protector of His own.

The tongue

From w-l-y; walāya (وَلَايَة) is protecting nearness, faithful alliance. The walī (وَلِيّ) is at once friend, ally, guardian.

The reason

He is the ally of His sincere servants: He protects them, guides them, takes their affair in hand.

The Sufi meaning

From this Name derives the term walī in the sense of saint: the one who has become an intimate of God, and whom God takes under His particular wing. Sainthood is less a performance than a friendship.

The servant's portion

Choose your allies with care; and be a faithful friend to those who have trusted you.