Al-Wali - Al-Mawla
The Guardian - The Protector
The Guardian is the One Who manages the affairs of His creation and dominion and He is the supporter of His pious servants. This noble name occurs 11 times in the Qur’an.

For example:
(And Allah is most knowing of your enemies; and sufficient is Allah as a guardian, and sufficient is Allah as a helper.) (Sūrat Al-Nisā’: 45) And (And it is He who sends down the rain after they had despaired and spreads His mercy. And He is the Guardian, Praiseworthy.) (Sūrat Al-Shūra: 28)

The Protector is the Lord, the King, and the Master Who supports, helps, and protects His pious servants. This noble name occurs 12 times in the Qur’an.

For example:
(And He is an excellent protector and an excellent helper.) (Sūrat Al-Hajj: 78) And (He is an excellent protector and an excellent helper.) (Sūrat AlAnfāl: 40)

In light of these two great names, I would say:
1. Know that you will gain as much protection from Allah as your level of faith. So, it is up to you to take much or little.

2. Remember that when a person takes Allah as a protector, He protects him, and that the allies of Allah Almighty are not those who possess supernatural powers, as alleged by some, but they are the pious believers. (Verily, (for) the allies of Allah there will be no fear on them, nor will they grieve. Those who believe and fear Allah.) (Sūrat Yūnus: 62)
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3. If you are not one of the allies and close servants of Allah, be sure at least to love and support them and strive to imitate them. As long as you belong to them, you will not be miserable. In the Qur’an, Allah Almighty says, (The believing men and believing women are allies of one another.) (Sūrat Al-Tawbah: 71)

4. The protection of Allah is both general and specific. His general protection encompasses all His servants, for He is their Master, Creator, and Owner. (Then they will be returned to Allah, their true Protector. Unquestionably, His is the judgment, and He is the swiftest Reckoner.) (Sūrat Al-An‘ām: 62)

Allah’s specific protection is for the believers. He supports, helps, and protects them. The biggest winner of these is the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him). In the Qur’an, Allah Almighty commands him to say, (My guardian is Allah Who has revealed the Book, and it is He Who protects the righteous.) (Sūrat Al-A‘rāf: 196)
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