Message #19028

[Zainab_M]

Walaikum As-Salaam brother TS.


Yes.   Its root is the Arabic word "wali" which means friend, guide, to be close to.  It can be interpreted in various ways and has over 20 meanings such as master, protector, friend, owner of a slave or judge.

If this word is used for humans, it should only refer to them with the intention of a "friend" or "guardian" or a human master or protector who does not have unlimited powers.   A Muslim should NEVER utter the word "maula" for humans with the intention of infinite power to help.  Needless to say, that is only the prerogative of Allah The Almighty and none else.

The term 'maula' must never be given to any human being based on their status of earthly power.  Such a practice invariably leads to elevating human status to levels of divinity which is completely Haram. 

Misguided and so-called Muslims sometimes attribute the the word 'maula' for deceased spiritual leaders as if their soul has the power to help.  Again needless to say, this notion is absolutely and completely Haram!   It amounts to indulgence in shirk by turning for help and assistance to other than Allah The Almighty.   Whether the person is dead or alive, no one should be looked upon as a source of infinite power and help with spiritual reverence which amounts to attributing humans the status of The Almighty.   In my opinion, to stay on the right path without any risks of blundering, this word should not be used for human beings at all, whether alive or deceased.   There are lots of other words one can use instead like wali, friend, guardian, teacher, leader etc.  All these words strictly denote a wise and literate human being who can give good advise and whatever help that's humanly possible.   That's it.  Nothing beyond.

In the Noble Quran the word "maula" is used for Allah Almighty in several Verses.  You can check those Verses which are: Verses  3:150,  6:62,  9:51,  10:30,  57:15.