“Ashhadu anna Ameerul Mu'mineena Aliyyun Waliyyullah” — Without this testimony, the religion of Allah remains completely incomplete.

According to the Sufi perspective, an essential testimony in the spiritual completion of Islam is:

"Ashhadu anna Amirul Mu'minina Aliyyun Waliyyullah" (I bear witness that the Commander of the Faithful, Hazrat Ali (A.S.), is the Wali of Allah).

Sufis believe that without the testimony of the Wilayah (divinely appointed guardianship/ leadership) of Hazrat Ali (A.S.), following the testimonies of Allah and the Messenger, the religion remains incomplete. They hold that reaching Allah requires a path through His chosen and beloved representatives, among whom Ali (A.S.) holds an immensely significant position. This testimony symbolizes deep submission to the path of truth and righteousness.

In Sufi Philosophy:

Wilayah is not merely leadership; it is spiritual inheritance and a source of divine mercy. Therefore, many Sufi paths consider this testimony an essential part of the completion of the religion. It is not just a phrase, but rather an indication of Islam's spiritual dimension and inner, esoteric depth.

Qur'anic Discussion:

According to the Sufi interpretation, the religion of Allah becomes complete with the inclusion of the testimony to the Wilayah or Guardianship of Mawla Ali (A.S.). Without this testimony, the religion always remains incomplete. Therefore, any Adhan (call to prayer), Iqamah, or prayer that omits "Ashhadu anna Amirul Mu’minina Aliyyun Waliyyullah" is considered incomplete.

In support of this, Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah, “And do not conceal testimony. For whoever conceals it—his heart is indeed sinful. And Allah is All-Knowing of what you do.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:283)

Allah further says, “And who is more unjust than the one who conceals a testimony he has from Allah?” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:140)

The Testimony of Ali’s (A.S.) Wilayah in the Completion of Religion:

Sufism (Tasawwuf) is a spiritual path that is not outside Islam but rather the inner mystery of it. The main goal of this path is to establish a deep spiritual connection with Allah. To walk this path, one must go beyond the external structure of Shari'ah and attain Tariqah (the spiritual path) and Ma'rifah (inner knowledge or gnosis). In this journey, Wilayah is a central concept.

Kalimah and Wilayah:

A significant portion of the Sufis believe that without the acknowledgment of Wilayah, along with Tawheed (Oneness of Allah) and Risalah (Prophethood), the religion does not achieve completion.

The testimony is: “I bear witness that Amirul Mu'minīn Ali is the Wali of Allah.”

According to Sufi belief, spiritual elevation is impossible without acknowledging the leadership or Wilayah of the friends of Allah—especially Hazrat Ali (A.S.), who is seen as the Batin-e-Rasul (the esoteric or spiritual successor of the Prophet).

The Role of Ali (A.S.) in Sufi Philosophy:

Spiritual Inheritance:

Hazrat Ali (A.S.) is considered the heir to all of Prophet Muhammad’s (S.A.W.) knowledge and divine inspiration. He is the first and foremost Murshid (spiritual guide) in Tasawwuf. Almost all Sufi orders trace their spiritual lineage (silsilah) back to him.

Source of Knowledge and Gnosis:

To the Sufis, Ali (A.S.) is “Babul 'Ilm”—the gate of knowledge. Through him, the hidden secrets of Allah are revealed.

Mahbubullah (Beloved of Allah):

Sufis believe that Ali (A.S.) is the Wali through whom the soul can journey toward Allah. He is referred to as “Sirrullah”—the secret of Allah.

Views of Prominent Sufi Figures:

Shah Waliullah Dehlavi said, “Wilayah is that hidden path whose beginning is Ali (A.S.), and whose inner mysteries are known only to the Awliya.”

Imam Ghazali said, “No one can attain true knowledge without the ma’rifah (inner recognition) of Ali (A.S.).”

Imam al-Baqir (A.S.) said, “Without the testimony of Mawla’s (A.S.) Wilayah, it makes no difference whether a person prays and commits adultery, or steals and fasts.”

(Mustadrak al-Wasā’il, al-Qawānīn ash-Shar’iyyah, Mu’allaf: Agha Muhammad Ali Tabataba’i, al-Haqiqa an-Nasirah, and other sources)

Muhammad al-Attar Ash’ari, Muhammad ibn Ali Hamadani, Hanān ibn Sa’dī narrate from their father that Imam al-Baqir (A.S.) said, “The enemy of Ali (A.S.) will certainly taste the boiling water of Hell upon leaving this world.”

He (A.S.) further said, “For one who opposes this Imamate, it is the same—whether he prays or commits fornication.”

(Sawab al-A’mal by Shaykh Saduq, p. 203; Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 28, p. 235, Hadith 50)

Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (R.A.), along with nearly all Sufi orders, trace their spiritual silsilah back through Ali (A.S.).

Why is the Religion Incomplete Without Wilayah?

According to Sufi belief, the three pillars of complete religion are:

Tawheed (Oneness of Allah)

Risalah (Prophethood)

Wilayah (Spiritual leadership)

Without Wilayah, a person cannot truly enter into the esoteric truth beyond the Shari’ah. Therefore, those who claim to be lovers or followers of Mawla Ali (A.S.) but deny this testimony are, in essence, denying:

The Holy Qur’an

The Infallibles (A.S.)

The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.)

Ultimately, Allah Himself

The Sufi View of “Wali” and “Wilayah”:

In Sufism, a Wali is one who has become spiritually close to Allah and attained His proximity through the soul. Hazrat Ali (A.S.) is acknowledged as the first and highest Wali, possessing both external (zahir) and internal (batin) knowledge.

Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq (A.S.) said, “Ali is that gate through which people enter into truth. Without him, none can reach Haqiqah (ultimate truth).”

References in Sufi Texts to the Wilayah of Ali (A.S.):

Maktubat-e-Rabbani (Imam Rabbani):

Describes Ali (A.S.) as “Babul Hikmah” (The Door of Wisdom)

Kashf al-Mahjub (Ali Hujwiri):

“Those who have not gained ma’rifah of Ali (A.S.) cannot be true Sufis.”

Futuhat al-Makkiyya (Ibn Arabi):

Refers to Ali (A.S.) as the “Seal of Wilayah”

Conclusion:

In light of Sufism, "Ashhadu anna Amirul Mu’minina Aliyyun Waliyyullah" — without this testimony, the religion of Allah remains spiritually incomplete.”

This is not merely part of a religious identity, but a mysterious path to divine knowledge and proximity to Allah. Sufis believe that unless the Wilayah of Ali (A.S.) is deeply embraced, the true love and understanding of Allah can never be fully realized.