Abstract
Wilayah (guardianship/authority) is one of the key and complex concepts in the Qur’an, with various interpretations provided in different exegetical sources. In particular, regarding verse 55 of Surah Al-Ma’idah, there is considerable disagreement between Shia and Sunni scholars concerning the meaning of the term “Wali”. Shia exegetes interpret Wali in this verse as “the one most entitled to authority,” deriving from it the direct guardianship of Imam Ali (PBUH). In contrast, Sunni exegetes understand Wali as indicating support and affection, emphasizing the necessity of support and love for all believers.
This study employs a descriptive-analytical and critical approach, based on the methodology of Qur’an-to-Qur’an interpretation, with a focus on structural analysis of verses related to Wilayah. By examining 112 Qur’anic verses concerning Wilayah, with particular attention to verse 55 of Surah Al-Ma’idah, the research aims to extract the precise meaning of “Wali” using both structural analysis and the comparison of various tafsirs.
The findings indicate that, in the Qur’an, there are seven structural categories for verses on Wilayah:
1.      Restrictive Structure (Hassr): 28 verses. Most interpretations (22 verses) indicate “the one most entitled to authority,” while others suggest “administrator,” “support,” “affection,” “close relation,” or “ally.” Conclusion: In this structure, Wali predominantly means “the one most entitled to authority.”
2.      Additive Structure (Idafa): 45 verses. Meanings include “the one most entitled to authority” (29 verses), “administrator” (33), “support” (35), “affection” (4), and other interpretations (17) such as “master,” “heir,” “follower,” “patron,” “sovereign,” etc. Conclusion: This structure emphasizes “the one most entitled to authority,” except in cases where contextually it implies support or affection.
3.      Taking Wali Structure (Ittikhadh Wali): 22 verses. Interpretations include “the one most entitled to authority” (16), “administrator” (11), “support” (18), “affection” (4), and “obedience/following” (2). Conclusion: This structure refers to guardianship and authority over affairs.
4.      Tawalli Structure: 12 verses. Interpretations include “the one most entitled to authority” (7), “administrator” (4), “support” (10), “affection” (2), and allied concepts such as “alliance,” “following,” or “disavowal” (4). Conclusion: In this structure, Wali means “the one most entitled to authority” and “administrator”, highlighting that enemies of God cannot assume guardianship over believers.
5.      Tawliyah Structure: 2 verses. Interpretations include “administrator” (2), “support” (2), and associated meanings such as “entrusting” (2). Conclusion: Wali signifies administrative authority and dominance over others.
6.      Priority Structure (Awlawiyyah): 6 verses. Interpretations include “the one most entitled to authority” (2), “more deserving” (2), “entitled to inheritance” (1), “closeness” (1), and “specific inheritance priority” (1). Conclusion: Awla in this context refers to “the one most entitled to authority,” distinct from “administrator.”
7.      Some Are Guardians of Others (Ba‘dahum Awliya’ Ba‘d): 5 verses. Interpretations include “the one most entitled to authority” (1), “administrator” (3), “support” (5), “affection” (2), and other concepts such as inheritance guardianship, guardianship in inheritance, closeness, and obedience (4). Conclusion: Unlike other structures, this category emphasizes support and affection.
Conclusion
The study of the structural patterns of Wilayah verses in the Qur’an, with a particular focus on verse 55 of Surah Al-Ma’idah, shows that in most of the seven structural categories, except for Ba‘dahum Awliya’ Ba‘d, Wali primarily means “the one most entitled to authority”. The meanings of support and affection appear only in specific contexts with clear indicators. Based on detailed structural analysis and exegetical review, the meaning of Wali in verse 55 of Surah Al-Ma’idah is “the one most entitled to authority”, not support or affection.