What is the ruling on ransoming weak prisoners – as mentioned by Ibn al-Arabi – if there is a covenant between us and their enemies, and are the rulings of the verse related to inheritance only, and what is the meaning of the guardianship (walaya) of a believer over another believer linguistically and legally, and what is the meaning of Allah's guardianship (walaya) over the believer?

The "walayah" (guardianship/patronage) in the verse (Al-Anfal/72) means inheritance or support. This implies that a believer who did not emigrate does not inherit, and Muslims must support him, except against a people with whom they have a covenant. The ruling regarding inheritance was abrogated with the فتح مكة (Conquest of Mecca), and inheritance became based on kinship.

It is obligatory to support a Muslim captive and rescue him with money or by fighting. This must be done from the treasury of the Muslims (بيت مال المسلمين) or from the general wealth of the Muslims. This is a فرض كفاية (collective obligation). If this is not possible, then it falls upon the captive himself, if he possesses wealth.

The "walayah" of a believer for another believer means love and support, while the "walayah" of Allah for a believer means guidance, success, and support.