Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Ilyaas (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) once mentioned:
Those engaged in the effort of da’wat and tableegh are required to meet three classes of people in order to fulfil three Deeni objectives.
The first class of people whom they should meet are the ‘Ulama and Deeni elders. The object of going to the ‘Ulama and Deeni elders is to learn Deen and to benefit from their pious company.
The second class of people whom they should meet are the ordinary laymen who are far from Deen. The object of going to them is to encourage them towards Deen. Through encouraging them, they themselves will remain firm on Deen.
The third class of people whom they should meet are the pious servants of Allah Ta‘ala, who are committed to Deen. The object of going to them is to benefit from the various good qualities that Allah Ta‘ala has blessed them with. (Malfoozaat Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Ilyaas (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) pg. 60)
Source: Ihyaauddeen.co.za