33 Preface وَلِكُلٍّ جَعَلنا مَوالِيَ مِمّا تَرَكَ الوالِدانِ وَالأَقرَبونَ ۚ وَالَّذينَ عَقَدَت أَيمانُكُم فَآتوهُم نَصيبَهُم ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كانَ عَلىٰ كُلِّ شَيءٍ شَهيدًاYusuf AliTo (benefit) every one, We have appointed shares and heirs1 to property left by parents and relatives. To those, also, to whom your right hand was pledged,2 give their due portion. For truly God is witness to all things.Mawali, plural of Mawla; from the root wala, to be near in place or relationship, to follow. Mawla may therefore mean: (1) nearly related, (2) heir, (3) sharer or partner; these three meanings are implied here; (4) neighbour, or friend, or protector, or client (44:41); (5) lord or master (16:76).When the emigration took place from Mecca to Madman, bonds and links of brotherhood were established between the “Emigrants” and the “Helpers,” and they shared in each other’s inheritance. Later, when the Community was solidly established, and relations with those left behind in Mecca were resumed, the rights of blood-relations in Mecca, and the Helper-brethren in Medīna were both safeguarded. This is the particular meaning. The more genera! meaning is similar; respect your ties of blood, of neighbourhood, and of friendly compacts and understandings. Be just to all.