Arabic · noun · Faith & Sacred History
Auliya
औलिया
said au-li-yaa
also written: Awliya,Auliyaa
Meaning
The saints or friends of God collectively, the spiritual elite of Islam.
Literally: friends (plural of wali)
Related words
ARABIC
Wali
A saint or friend of God, one brought near through piety and granted spiritual authority.
PERSIAN
Pir
An elder or Sufi master; the spiritual preceptor to whom disciples give allegiance.
ARABIC
Sufi
A Muslim mystic who seeks direct experience of the Divine through purification of the heart and love of God.