Scholars of language, regard ‘Sayyid’ – to be in the meaning of other than
master and the freed slave – has included among meanings of the term of Maula.
On the other side they include chief and ruler to be among the terms of Wali.
The third group has consensus that Wali and Maula mean one and the same
thing, and both these meanings are not other than the meaning of precedence in
the command; because the chief initiates system in the society and applies the
style of training of the individuals and prevents them from encroaching on the
rights of each other.
In the same way, the Sayyid is said to be one, who has precedence over
everyone in the affairs of rulership. For example the circle of Wilayat is greater
than administration of a province and administration of province is greater than
governorship of a city. More than these is Wilayat of kings and rulers; and more
than that is the Wilayat of prophet, who is sent for all the people of the world,
and the Wilayat of a caliph, who is to administer the affairs after him.
If we overlook the use of ‘Maula’ in the meaning of having precedence, but
we cannot deny its occurrence in the meaning of Maula and Sayyid. Thus, in the
tradition it has a wider meaning. The fact is that the Maula has twenty-seven
meanings. I am sure that not one of them can be intended in the tradition, except
one; they are as follows:
1. Lord (God)
2. uncle
3. cousin
4. son of the son
5. son of the daughter
6. one who frees a slave
7. freed slave
8. slave
9. master1
10. follower
11. One who takes up the bounties.
12. Partner
13. Ally
14. Companion
15. Neighbor
16. Guest
17. Son-in-law
18. Confidante
19. Giver of bounty
20. Confederate
21. Guardian
22. Most deserving
23. Sayyid in the meaning of other than owner and emancipated slave.
24. Fan
25. Supporter
26. One having discretion in matters.
27. Trustee of affairs
As for the first meaning
To intend this meaning would make one guilty of disbelief, because except
for the Almighty Allah, no one is the lord of universe (and the Prophet never said
that of whomsoever I am the Lord and master…then Ali is also his Lord).
As for the meanings of 2 and 3 till 14
The implication of each of these meanings from the term of ‘Maula’ in
tradition necessitates falsehood.
As for companion, neighbor, guest, son-in-law and confidante; whether it is proximity of relationship or proximity of location: Implication of each of these
meanings is frivolous, so it is not possible, especially in that grand gathering and
that also on the way and in scorching heat, when the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)
ordered that those who have gone ahead should be called back and those who are
behind should be waited for. Especially in the place which lacked every kind of
facility. Even if we suppose that one of those meanings were employed, what
merit it held for Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) that they congratulated them saying:
Bravo! Bravo!
As for ‘bounty giver’: This meaning also cannot be applied, because it is not
necessary that Ali should also bestow to one whom the Messenger of Allah
(s.a.w.a.) has bestowed; on the contrary its opposite is possible.
Its implication is that whoever was given the bounty of religion, guidance,
training, and honor in the world and salvation in the hereafter, Ali (a.s.) is also
having those rights, because he is the proxy of the Prophet, his defender and
protector of his law and propagator of his faith. That is why Almighty Allah
through that clear verse, perfected religion and completed the bounty through
him; and this meaning is from the meaning of Imamate, which is the topic of our
discussion.
As for being confederates: It is inevitable that it implies treaties and
covenants with some tribes for peace making. And this meaning also has no
scope regarding Ali (a.s.), yes, he was in all acts and styles a follower of the
Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) [that is with whoever the Prophet was at peace, Ali
(a.s.) was also at peace]. Finally, in this matter all Muslims are equal and to
announce this only for Ali (a.s.) in that grand and incomparable congregation and
with such elaborate arrangements, is really meaningless.