Question 1850) - What is Wala linguistically and in Shari'ah?

A: It is derived from Wali, meaning "near." In Shari'ah it is the right of the ex-owner arising from freeing his slave; or Muwalah agreement. Thus there are two kinds of Wala - Walaul 'Itaqah [manumission] Walaul Mawalah [voluntary clientship].

~ al-Quduri ~