Al-Wali-the Patron-is lover and protector. We have already treated the meaning of His love and affection [$48], and the meaning of His protection is evident, in that He suppresses the enemies of religion and supports its friends. God-may He be praised and exalted-said: God is the patron of those who believe (11:257). The Most High also said: That is because God is patron of those who believe, and because the disbelievers have no patron (XLVII:11). That is, He is not their protector. For He said the great and glorious: God has decreed: Lo! I verily shall conquer, I and my messengers (LVIII:21).
Counsel: Among men a patron is one who loves God-great and glorious and loves His friends, who helps Him and helps His friends, and shows enmity towards His enemies. And among His enemies are one's own self and Satan, so that whoever forsakes these two and thereby promotes the affairs of God most high, befriending His friends and showing enmity to His enemies, is a patron among men.
- See also tdl/2021-06-12