Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. To proceed:
Allah Almighty says:
“Your ally is only Allah, His Messenger, and those who believe—those who establish prayer, give zakah, and bow down.”
[Al-Ma’idah 5:55]
The meaning of “wali” in this verse is an ally, loving supporter, and helper. It does not mean that the Messenger ﷺ or the righteous possess control over the universe or have the power to bring benefit and ward off harm in matters that only Allah can control.
This is indicated by the context of the verses. Before this verse, the believers were forbidden from taking certain others as awliya, and then Allah explained that the believers’ wilayah is with Allah, His Messenger, and the believers. The discussion here is therefore about love, loyalty, and mutual support.
Imam At-Tabari explained the verse as meaning that the supporters of the believers are Allah, His Messenger, and the believers, in contrast to taking others as allies and supporters.
Allah’s words, “and those who believe,” are not restricted to one particular person known for righteousness. Rather, they include the believers whom Allah described as establishing prayer and giving zakah.
For this reason, Al-Qurtubi stated that the wording is general and applies to the believers. Therefore, the meaning of the verse should not be restricted to particular saints or individuals without evidence.
The righteous and the awliya have their status and virtue, and Muslims love them and follow their righteousness. However, they possess none of the exclusive attributes of Allah’s Lordship.
Allah commanded His Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to say:
“Say, ‘I hold no power to benefit or harm myself, except as Allah wills.’”
[Al-A‘raf 7:188]
Allah also says:
“Say, ‘Indeed, I do not possess for you the power to cause harm or bring right guidance.’”
[Al-Jinn 72:21]
If the Prophet ﷺ, who is the best of creation, does not independently possess the power to bring benefit or harm to himself or others, then this applies even more clearly to other righteous people and awliya.
However, when a living person helps another person in something that he is normally capable of doing, such as helping with money, giving advice, or defending someone, this is permissible and is not included in the prohibited meaning discussed above.
Allah’s statement, “Your ally is only Allah, His Messenger, and those who believe,” refers to the wilayah of love, support, loyalty, and faith.
It is not evidence that the Prophet ﷺ or the awliya possess control over the universe, fulfill unseen or supernatural needs, or independently ward off harm.
Absolute power to bring benefit and harm and to govern creation belongs to Allah alone. Believers, however, support and assist one another in matters that are within their ability.
And Allah knows best.