likewise bears visible signs for the servant. One of those signs is that a person follows the Messenger of Allah ﷺ; the more closely he imitates the Prophet ﷺ, the more obedient he is to Allah, and the more beloved he becomes to the Almighty.

The author—may Allah have mercy on him—cites as evidence the verse: “Say, ‘If you truly love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you.’” [Āl ʿImrān 3:31]. In other words, if you are sincere in your claim that you love Allah, then show me the proof: follow me, and Allah will love you.

For this reason the early scholars called this verse “the verse of testing,” for it tests anyone who alleges love of Allah. If he follows the Messenger ﷺ, that demonstrates the truthfulness of his claim.

When a person loves Allah, Allah in turn loves him—as the verse continues, “follow me; Allah will love you.” This is a tremendous fruit: when Allah loves you, you attain happiness in this world and the next.

The author then cites the ḥadīth of Abū Hurayrah (d. 57 AH) in which the Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever shows enmity to a friend (walī) of Mine, I have declared war against him.” To be an enemy to one of Allah’s friends is to wage war against Allah Himself, just as consuming usury incurs the warning: “But if you do not desist, then be informed of a war from Allah and His Messenger.” [al-Baqarah 2:279].

But who is the friend of Allah? The Almighty defines them: “Unquestionably, the friends of Allah—no fear shall be upon them, nor shall they grieve: those who believe and are mindful of Him.” [Yūnus 10:62–63].

Thus, anyone who possesses faith and godfearingness is a friend of Allah; these are the true awliyāʾ.