Meaning: Be a close, watchful companion and ally to us. This type of al-Walaayah8

(companionship or guardianship) is of two types, a general type of guardianship, and a specific type. The specific type is particular to the believers only as Allaah () says:

“Allaah is the
Ally, Guardian of those who believe. He brings them out from darkness into light. In addition, those who disbelieve, their allies, guardians, are their false gods. They take them out of light into darkness. Those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide eternally therein.” [Soorah al-Baqarah, 2:257] So you ask Allaah for this special type of alliance, guardianship, and companionship which includes His protection of the one to whom Allaah () gives it to. It also includes Allaah granting success to him or her in following what He loves and is pleased with.

As for the general type of guardianship, it includes everyone. Allaah is carefully watching over every person as He says, “…until when death comes to one of you, Our Messengers (angels) take him, and they never fail in their duties.” [Soorah al-An’aam, 6:61] This is general for everyone. Then He () says in the next verse:

“Then they are returned to Allaah, their true Lord. Unquestionably, the Judgment is His, and He is the swiftest in taking to account.” [Soorah al-An’aam, 6:62] However, when we say, “O Allaah, care for me as a companion with those You have cared for,” we want the specific type of alliance, guardianship, and companionship and, as has been said, it includes protection and the success in following what Allaah loves and is pleased with.