Allah's close friends

A short paragraph of the closest people to Allah.

The term saint has been used to translate the Arabic word Walee which Allah used to designate those who are close to Him , a more appropriate word would be "close friend" .
Allah used this verse to refer Himself : " Allah is the Walee of those who belive and takes them from the darkness into light" ( Surat al Baqarah (2):257)
But the usage which concerns us most is " Awliyaa-ullaah" close friends of Allah. Allah's description of His Walees can be found in Soorah al Anfal where Allah states : " Verily His ( Allah's) Awliyaa are only those with Taqwa, but most people do not realize that" ( 8:34)
Allah explains us that for "Walaayah" ( divine friendship) is Eemaan (faith) and Taqwa ( piety) and these qualities are shared by all true believers.
Therefore , as said , all believers who have Eemaan and Taqwa are Walees of Allah and He is their Walee . Allah cleary stated " Allah is the Walee of those who believe" ( Soorat al Baqarah ( 2:257)

Consequently , Muslims are not allowed to designate certain believers as belonging to the Awliyaa of Allah and not others.