Praise be to Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah.
It is established in the Qur’an and the Prophetic Sunnah that “Al-Wali” and “Al-Mawla” are used for Allah.
Allah, the Almighty, says:
“Or have they taken protectors besides Him? But Allah—He is Al-Wali, and He gives life to the dead, and He is over all things competent.” [Ash-Shura: 9]
And He says:
“Allah is the Wali of those who believe; He brings them out of darknesses into the light.” [Al-Baqarah: 257]
Allah also says:
“And if they turn away, then know that Allah is your Mawla. Excellent is the Mawla, and excellent is the Helper.” [Al-Anfal: 40]
And He says:
“And forgive us and have mercy upon us. You are our Mawla, so give us victory over the disbelieving people.” [Al-Baqarah: 286]
Allah also says:
“Say: Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us. He is our Mawla, and upon Allah let the believers rely.” [At-Tawbah: 51]
It is also authentically reported that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“O Allah, grant my soul its piety and purify it. You are the best of those who purify it. You are its Wali and its Mawla.”
Narrated by Muslim.
These texts establish that Allah is described as Al-Wali and Al-Mawla, and that both are among His Names.
The word “Al-Mawla” has numerous meanings depending on the context in which it is used.
It may refer to: the owner, master, lord, companion, close associate, neighbor, ally, helper, beloved, benefactor, one who receives a favor, servant, emancipator, and others.
Ibn al-Athir, may Allah have mercy on him, explained the meanings of “Al-Mawla”:
“The word Mawla occurs repeatedly in the hadith. It is a term applied to many different meanings: the Lord, owner, master, benefactor, emancipator, helper, beloved, follower, neighbor, cousin, ally, in-law, servant, emancipator, one upon whom a favor has been bestowed, and so on.”
He then explained that the intended meaning is understood from the context of the hadith and what the situation requires.
It is permissible to call a Muslim “Mawlana” when a valid meaning of the word is intended, especially when the person is a virtuous Muslim known for knowledge or righteousness.
It is authentically reported that the Prophet ﷺ said to Zayd ibn Harithah, may Allah be pleased with him:
“You are our brother and our Mawla.”
Narrated by al-Bukhari.
This demonstrates that it is permissible to call a Muslim “Mawlana.”
Scholars have provided further details concerning the use of “Al-Mawla” with the definite article when referring to a person. Some permitted it when the person addressed is distinguished by knowledge, righteousness, or similar virtues, while disliking expressions of lordship and excessive glorification toward someone who does not deserve them.
As for calling a disbeliever “Mawlana” or using a similar expression, scholars have prohibited this because it entails a form of glorification that is inappropriate.
Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said:
“A dhimmi should not be addressed as ‘our master’ or with similar expressions. As for addressing him as ‘our master,’ ‘our Mawla,’ or similar expressions, this is unquestionably prohibited.”
Therefore, what is prohibited here is using such expressions for a disbeliever as a form of glorification and lordship.
Scholars have given detailed explanations regarding the use of these expressions.
Imam an-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy on him, transmitted from Imam Abu Ja‘far an-Nahhas that using “Al-Mawla” for a created person may be disallowed if the definite form with “al-” is intended. An-Nawawi then explained that there is further detail, and that using “Al-Mawla” or “As-Sayyid” for a virtuous Muslim is permissible when the relevant condition is met.
He stated concerning the person who may appropriately be called this:
“If the person being honored is virtuous and good, whether through knowledge, righteousness, or something else, then it is permissible. But if he is sinful, suspected in his religion, or similar, it is disliked to call him ‘Sayyid.’”
Accordingly, expressions such as As-Sayyid and Al-Mawla should be considered according to their meaning, context, and the status of the person to whom they are applied. They should not be used in a manner that leads to exaggeration or impermissible glorification.
“Al-Wali” and “Al-Mawla” are among the Names of Allah, and both occur in the Qur’an and Sunnah.
“Al-Mawla” has multiple meanings in the Arabic language, and its intended meaning varies according to context.
It is permissible to say to a Muslim “Mawlana” when a valid meaning is intended, and this usage is established in the Sunnah.
It is not permissible to call a disbeliever “Mawlana” or use a similar expression as a form of glorification.
According to the scholars, some expressions of honor, authority, and guardianship may be used for a virtuous Muslim, while taking into account the meaning and context and avoiding exaggeration.
And Allah knows best.