Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) once mentioned:
Even if one does not carry out many good deeds, then at least one should try to keep a clean and open heart towards the Ulama and pious. In this way one will benefit in Deen. At no point should one ever show disregard for the Ulama and the pious, nor be adverse towards them. Showing disregard to the Ulama and the pious is extremely detrimental to one’s Deen. (Malfoozaat Hakeemul Ummat 2/123)
Source: Ihyaauddeen.co.za