What is the difference between a guardian (wali) and an executor (wasi)?

Linguistically, wali (guardian/patron) comes from wilaya, which means closeness. One says: waliyah meaning he drew near to him. It also carries the meanings of authority, support, and love. Terminologically, it means the execution of a statement upon another, and it includes the Greater Imamate and what is below it, and it is either general or specific.

As for wasi (executor), linguistically it comes from awsa (to bequeath). Terminologically, he is the one to whom a man entrusts his affairs to manage them after his death, regarding his interests.

The difference between them is that the wali undertakes the affair of another, whether it is a general or specific wilaya, and it may be acquired from Islamic law or judicial decree. As for the wasi, he is the one who is entrusted with acting after death.