MAWÄLI, plural of MAULÄ, from the root of WALÄYAT, is being near in place of relationship. MAULÄ OR MAVALI that we have translated here as a `nearly related heir', may therefore mean a heir, partner, nearly related, sharer, friend, protector or master.

      Then the verse in its general sense of meaning is a commandment to respect your ties of blood, neighbourhood, friendship, and friendly compacts and promises. As for: ``Those with whom your RIGHT HANDS have tied a tie or entered into an agreement.''

      The right hand is mentioned here because almost all people use their right hands in tying a tie, and rare are those who are left-handed. By tie it is meant various kinds of connection or obligation that may connect persons or things together and to unite them such as family ties or ties of religion or duty.

      As for those who may inherit a man through a tie of this kind, some of the commentators have understood it to be the wife and husband who through the ties of marriage inherit each other.

      Some other commentators have understood it to be the ties of friendship such as the pre- Islamic famous, `COMPACT OF JARIREH', which was a covenant made between two or more friends who entered into an agreement to treat each onther as brethren.

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      (Moulana Allahmeh YOUSUF ALI, in his commentary has given another view in this relation that deserves more consideration; he says: ``When the Emigration took place from Mecca to Medina, bonds and links of brotherhood were established between the Emigrants and Helpers, and they shared even in each other's inheritance. Later, when the community of Muslims was solidly established, and relations with those left behind in Mecca were resumed, the rights of blood- relation in Mecca, and the Helper- brotheren in Medina were both safeguarded.'' This is the particular meaning of the verse - The more general meaning is similar: Respect your ties of blood, of neighbourhood, and of friedly compacts and - Be just to All.

(TRANSLATOR'S NOTE)