Examining the semantic elements within the triconsonantal root "WLY" through an etymological method in Semitic languages

The triliteral root "Wali" is one of the most frequently used lexical roots in the Holy Quran. Various nominal and verbal structures have been derived from this root, and some of the words and concepts formed from it, such as "Wali," have been the subject of much debate in Quranic literature. One reason for this is that although Muslim lexicographers and exegetes have enumerated various semantic components for this root, they have been unable to identify a core meaning and establish a connection among all the meanings of this root. This research, using etymological and historical semantic methods, attempts to examine the equivalents of the root "Wali" in Semitic languages, identify its ancient Afro-Asiatic origin, and trace the lexical and semantic evolution of this root from its inception to the present. The results of this study show that the word in question originates from the biconsonantal root "L-Y," which appears as "L-W-Y" in Semitic languages and continues as "Wali" in Arabic. This root in Arabic means "to accompany with affection and love," where the primary semantic emphasis is on companionship and following, with friendship added as a secondary semantic component. Attention to these semantic components, which can be traced in various uses of the root "Wali" in different levels of familial, social, political, and Human-God relationships in the Quran, is key to resolve many scholarly disputes surrounding this root.