wali

Wali, from Arabic ولي, is a term with multiple related uses in Islamic culture. In general, it denotes a guardian or protector, and in Sufi and popular usage it also signifies a saint—someone regarded as especially close to God.

In Islamic law, wali designates guardianship for certain acts. A guardian (wali al-yatim) may be appointed for orphans, and a bride's marriage contract may require consent from a wali. The precise rules differ among Islamic legal schools, with arrangements and eligibility for guardianship varying by tradition and jurisdiction.

In Sufism, awliya (plural) are the “friends of God” who are believed to possess spiritual closeness and signs of sanctity. They are not prophets, but are cited as models of piety and conduits of grace. Sufi communities honor saints through shrines and rites, though attitudes toward popular saint veneration range across the Muslim world.

Wali is also a common male given name in the Arab world and in many Muslim-majority regions, where it is understood to mean “guardian” or “protector.” The term has cognate forms in Turkish (vali) and other languages, reflecting its historical usage across different cultures.