What does a Wali mean?

According to the Ulama, a Wali means:

"العالم بالله المواظب على طاعته المخلص فى عبادته"

"Someone who recognises Allah Ta’ala, who is punctual in His obedience and who is sincere in His Ibaadah."

To recognise Allah Ta’ala means to recognise Allah Ta’ala by His attributes. When a person recognises the attributes of Allah Ta’ala, he acts according to that knowledge. If he does not act according to it, it means that he has not yet understood that attribute. For example, a person who knows the meaning of an electric cable will not touch it. Only an insane person or a child who does not know what does an electric wire mean, will touch it. Thus, a person, who knows that Allah Ta’ala is looking at what he is doing, He is listening to what he is saying and He knows what is on his mind, will never have the courage to do something that Allah Ta’ala does not like. Thus, when we say that a Wali recognises Allah Ta’ala, it means a person who knows the attributes of Allah Ta’ala and he acts according to what these attributes demand. For example, when he knows that Allah Ta’ala is شديد العقاب that is, He is very severe in punishment, he will refrain from the sins that will make him deserve that.

[English version of "Ki veut dire Wali?" – Al Jamiat – Vol.3 No.13]