The Path to Wilayah (Divine Friendship) - 317

Before you become His friend, become His servant.

AuthorAuthor

Miftaah Portal & Imam Omar Suleiman
May 22, 2025

Est. Read time: 3 min
Edition Number: 317
Adapted from: Torchbearers of Truth with Shaykh Omar Suleiman
Instructor: Shaykh Omar Suleiman

Assalamu Alaykum,

Today’s gem is from  Shaykh Omar Suleiman’s course: Torchbearers of Truth. In this gem, Shaykh Omar Suleiman explains that true friendship with Allah ﷻ begins with sincere servitude and grows through Islam, Iman, and Ihsan.

Hope you enjoy!

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We begin in the Name of Allah ﷻ, the Most Merciful and Compassionate,
We ask that He ﷻ sends Peace and Blessings upon our noble and beloved
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Is it possible for you to be a friend of Allah ﷻ? Absolutely.

In our Deen, the friends of Allah are called Al-Awliyaa. These are the ones whom Allah ﷻ takes into His special care, protection, and love. But there's a path to that friendship—and it begins with ‘ubudiyyah (servitude).

You cannot become a wali (friend) of Allah unless you are first a true ‘abd (servant) of Allah ﷻ. From sincere servitude, you are elevated to the station of divine friendship.

This journey is also reflected in our spiritual progression:

  • You begin with Islam—submitting outwardly.

  • Then you move to Iman—internalizing faith.

  • And finally, you reach Ihsan—excellence, where your outward and inward are fully aligned, and you worship Allah as though you see Him.

This harmony leads to true nearness to Allah ﷻ.

May Allah ﷻ, make us among Your devoted servants, and elevate us to the rank of Your awliyaa through sincere worship, faith, and excellence.

أقول قولي هذا وأستغفر الله لي ولكم، فاستغفروه إنه هو الغفور الرحيم

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