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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Wilayat (Guardianship) Speech 1: Basic Understanding of Wilayat (Guardianship) Our talk is on the subject of Wilayat. The way we extract the topic of Wilayat from Qur'an is seldom described. However, the ears of a shi'ah are very much in tune with the word, "Wilayat" (guardianship). The subject of Wilayat is there with all sanctity and respect in our supplications, hymns for Allah, our traditions and the prevalent generally accepted thoughts.

As a shi'ah we always consider ourselves holders of Wilayat and pray that Allah keeps us on Wilayat and that we die while believing in Wilayat. We wish to discuss the basic understanding of Wilayat. We will certainly come to the Wilayat of Ali Ibn Abi Talib; but for the time being our talk is about the earlier stages. We want to extract the meaning of Wilayat from the magnificent verses of the glorious Qur'an so you can see how broad and fascinating the principle of Wilayat is.

And how a nation, a group or the followers of a certain faith can fall into chaos and disunity if they do not practice the principle of Wilayat. In light of this discussion you will also see and understand very well that the prayer of a person not believing in Wilayat is not real prayer, his fast is not real fast and his worship is not true worship.

We also come to realize from this discourse that a society or a nation devoid of Wilayat may spend all their lives in prayers and fasting and give all their wealth in charity, yet not be entitled to the pleasure of Allah. To summarize, in light of this discussion the meanings of the traditions about Wilayat can be comprehended.