Your Guardian Is Only Allah and His Messenger — Ibn Salam and the Guardianship of Believers
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Level: intermediate
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إِنَّمَا وَلِيُّكُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُۥ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ
— المائدة 55
Verse: "Your guardian is only Allah and His Messenger and those who believe." (5:55)
Occasion (Hasan): Ubada ibn Al-Samit said: When he severed ties with the Jewish alliance (at Badr or after), he said "I take Allah and His Messenger as my ally" — so the verse was revealed affirming this principle.
"Innama" (only): A restriction particle — true guardianship (support, love, obedience) belongs only to Allah, His Messenger, and the believers, not to adversaries.
Definition of "wali": Alliance means love, support, obedience, and following — all for the believers according to their levels.
Source: Al-Suyuti; Ibn Kathir (3/100); Al-Qurtubi (6/219)
Question: What are the four meanings of "wala'" (guardianship) in this verse?
Answer: Love, support, obedience, and following — all for the believers at their appropriate levels.