Wali
Also called: Auliya · Topic: Bhakti and Sufi Traditions · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 2 "Bhakti-Sufi Traditions"
Meaning
Wali means "friend of God"; the plural is auliya. Sufis gave this title to a saint believed to be very close to God. Such a saint had barakat, God's grace, which let him work miracles (karamat). People believed a wali could plead with God on their behalf, both in life and after death. That is why his tomb (dargah) became a place of pilgrimage.
Example
Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya (d. 1325) of Delhi has this title in his very name. Sultans even wanted to be buried near the tombs of such saints, hoping for their help on the Day of Judgement.
Don't confuse with
- Shaikh: the teaching master who runs a khanqah. A wali is a saint known for closeness to God, whether or not he heads a hospice.