ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Wali (Islamic legal guardian)

Imagine you are a little plant that needs someone to take care of you and make sure you grow up strong and healthy. In the same way, when a person is born into a Muslim family, they need someone to take care of them and make sure they learn about Islam and follow its teachings. This person is called a Wali, which means "legal guardian" in Islam.

The Wali is usually a person who is responsible for taking care of the young person, helping them make important decisions, and guiding them towards making choices that are in line with Islamic teachings. This person could be a father, an older brother, an uncle, or any other close family member who is Muslim and has the best interests of the young person at heart.

In Islam, the Wali is also responsible for helping the young person find a suitable spouse when they are ready to get married. The Wali will make sure the potential spouse is also Muslim, has good character, and is a suitable match for the young person.

Overall, the Wali plays a vital role in helping young Muslims grow up to become responsible and devout members of the Muslim community. They are a guiding light that helps them navigate the challenges of life while staying true to their faith.