The concept of patronage in Arabic (wilāyah) is related to the idea of closeness and loyalty as well as to that of authority. This is why the word is used for guardianship, since a minor’s legal guardian is most often a close relative. Guardians are also those who are responsible for the people under their care. They provide help, support, companionship, and love.
Loyalty has a strong relationship with the idea of closeness. People show loyalty to one another on account of a number of close relationships: kinship ties, geographic proximity, friendship, shared religious beliefs, common values, etc…
Allah’s patronage embraces all of creation. He cares for all of His creatures, whether human or non-human. He accounts for everyone’s needs, whether they be righteous or sinful, and whether they believe in Him or deny His existence.
In this context, Allah says: “Then they shall be sent back to Allah, their Patron, the True one.” [Sūrah al-An`ām: 62]
Allah is also Patron in a special sense for the believers, protecting them, helping them, and guiding them aright. Allah says: “Allah is the Patron of those who believe. He brings them out of the darkness into the light.” [Sūrah al-Baqarah: 257]
The Qur’an refers to Allah as the Patron numerous times; for instance: “He is the Praiseworthy Patron.” [Sūrah al-Shūrā: 28]
“Your Patron can be only Allah; and (then) His messenger and those who believe, who establish worship and pay the poor due, and bow down (in prayer).” [Sūrah al-Mā’idah: 55]
This brings together many meanings: that Allah is our Lord, our Benefactor, our Helper, and the One who truly loves us.
Consider these verses of the Qur’an:
“You are our Patron; Help us against those who stand against faith.” [Sūrah al-Baqarah: 286]
“But Allah is your Patron, and He is the best of helpers.” [Sūrah Āl `Imrān: 150]
“Then they shall be sent back to Allah, their Patron, the True one.” [Sūrah al-An`ām: 62]
“Hold fast to Allah. He is your Patron. A most blessed Patron and a most blessed Helper!” [Sūrah al-Hajj: 78]
He also says: “That is because Allah is Patron of those who believe, and because the disbelievers have no patron.” [Sūrah Muhammad: 11]
“But Allah is your Patron, and He is the best of helpers.” [Sūrah Āl `Imrān: 150]
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) informed us how to attain the most specific and special level of Allah’s patronage possible. He informs us that Allah says:
Nothing that my servant draws near to me with is more beloved to me than what I have commanded. Then, my servant continues to draw near to me with voluntary worship until I love him, and when I love him, I become his hearing that he hears with, his sight that he sees with, his hand by which he grasps, and his feet by which he walks. [Sahīh al-Bukhārī (6502)]
Here, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) relates to us some aspects of the special patronage Allah shows to those who are extra-devoted in worship. He is also telling us that Allah is our source of inspiration and right-guidance so that we can successfully live in a manner that best pleases Him. We need Allah to set our thoughts aright, to bless us to listen to and regard the right things, and to guide us in what we say and do. Our drawing nearer to Allah is a reason for us to be blessed with the wisdom and insight to live better, more upright lives.
This is why Allah says: “Allah is the Patron of those who believe. He brings them out of the darkness into the light.” [Sūrah al-Baqarah: 257]
When Abū Sufyān led the attack against the Muslim community at the Battle of Uhud, he boasted: “We are mighty and you have no might.” After hearing this, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) instructed his Companions to say: “Allah is our Patron and you have no patron.” [Sahīh al-Bukhārī (3039)]
Allah’s special patronage is something that believers earn through their efforts and piety. Allah says: “Those who enjoy Allah’s patronage have no fear on them, nor shall they grieve. (They are) those who believe and are God-fearing.” [Sūrah Yūnus: 62-63]
Allah says about the Sacred Mosque: “None can be its patrons except the righteous.” [Sūrah al-Anfāl: 34]
Our awareness that Allah is our Patron gives us a sense of Allah’s closeness as well as a sense of His mercy and kindness. There is no better feeling than this.
Consider what a person feels who seeks the favor of a prince, dignitary, president, or some other important person. If he were to win that important person’s confidence, be drawn into his inner circle, and enjoy his friendship, this would be seen as the utmost success. How then is it to feel that we have attained this closeness with the Creator in whose hand is everything in the heavens and on Earth?
This gives our lives a fullness that cannot be quantified and fills our hearts with contentment and certainty. As Allah says: “What Allah bestows on humankind of His mercy, none can withhold.” [Sūrah Fātir: 2]
Source: IslamToday.net
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