Wilayah (Divine Authority)

Wilayah (Arabic: ولاية) means "authority," "guardianship," or "leadership" and is one of the most central concepts in Shia Islam. Wilayah refers to the divine authority that Allah has granted to the Prophet Muhammad and after him to Imam Ali and the subsequent Imams from Ahl al-Bayt to lead the Muslim community.

The Quranic basis for wilayah is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:55: "Your wali (protector/authority) is only Allah, His Messenger, and the believers who establish prayer and give alms while they bow in ruku." Shia tafsir (Quranic exegesis) identifies this verse as a reference to Imam Ali (peace be upon him), who gave his ring in charity during ruku in prayer. This interpretation is also mentioned in Sunni tafsir works such as Al-Tabari's and Al-Razi's.

The event at Ghadir Khumm on the 18th of Dhu al-Hijjah in the year 10 Hijri is the decisive moment for wilayah. The Prophet Muhammad said: "For whom I am mawla (master/guardian), Ali is his mawla." Shia Muslims consider this the formal appointment of Imam Ali as the Prophet's successor. This event is celebrated annually as Eid al-Ghadir, one of the greatest Shia festivals.

In the context of prayer, wilayah manifests itself in the addition of "Ashhadu anna Aliyyan waliyyullah" (I testify that Ali is Allah's friend/wali) in the Shia adhan. Although this is not an obligatory part of the adhan, it is a recommended (mustahab) addition that affirms belief in Imam Ali's wilayah. Wilayah is the foundation of Shia identity and permeates all aspects of worship, from prayer to du'a to ziyarah.