What does the word “Mevlânâ” mean? Is it appropriate to use this term for Allah, the Prophet, and people?

In the dictionary, “Mevlâ” has many different meanings such as “Lord, master, friend, companion, helper, owner and possessor, one who frees a slave, a freed slave, one who manages or oversees a matter.” When attributed to Allah, the meanings of “loving, protecting, helping, keeping under care and authority” come to the forefront. The essential meaning of the word Mevlâ is love and spiritual closeness. (Ibn al-Athir, an-Nihāya, “vly” entry. 5/227; Ibn Manzur, Lisan al-Arab, “vly” entry. 15/406)

The word Mevlâ is used in the Qur’an for both Allah and people. This word is used for Allah (c.c.) in the verses, “Know that Allah is your Mevlâ (Protector). What an excellent Mevlâ (Protector) and what an excellent Helper!” (al-Anfal, 8/40) and “You are our Mevlâ.” (al-Baqara, 2/286); and for people in the verse, “On that Day, a friend will be of no benefit to a friend.” (ad-Dukhan, 44/41). In various hadiths, “Mevlâ” is also mentioned as one of the names of Allah: “Allah is our Mevlâ.” (Bukhari, Jihad, 164 [3039]; Maghazi, 17 [4043])

Accordingly, the expression “Mevlânâ,” which is formed by adding the pronoun “nâ” meaning “our” to the end of the word “Mevlâ,” can be used for Allah, the Prophet (s.a.s.), and people.

When “Mevlânâ” is used for Allah, it means “our Lord, our Master”; when used for the Prophet (s.a.s.) or people, it means “our friend” or “our master.”

Source: T.C. Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı, Din İşleri Yüksek Kurulu