The Meaning of the Word (Mawla)

Question:
The questioner asks: When we hear the phrase "Mawla of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him)," what is the meaning of the word "Mawla"?

Answer:
The word "Mawla" has many meanings, such as the owner, the supporter, the close relative, the one who frees a slave, the one who has been freed, and the supporter. When it is said that the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) is our Mawla, or that so-and-so is his Mawla, if it is said to a master, it means his owner. A slave says this to his master. If it is said regarding the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) or someone else, it means the leader, the great one, the big one, and the like. It should be known that it is not permissible to say to so-and-so: "Our Mawla," because the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) prohibited this. He said: Only a slave is permitted to say to his master: "My master" and "My Mawla," meaning the enslaved person. As for the free person, he does not say "My Mawla." He says: "O Abu so-and-so," or "O so-and-so," or the like. This is what is appropriate.
One should also not be deceived by the actions of people nowadays. A person says to his brother: "O so-and-so," or "O Abu so-and-so," or the like of what he is known by. As for saying "O my Mawla" or "O my master," this should be avoided. Yes.