Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) once mentioned the following:
Remaining in the company of the lovers of Allah Ta‘ala (those servants whom Allah Ta‘ala had granted His special love) is the way to acquire the love of Allah Ta‘ala. Engaging in zikr will assist one to acquire (and increase) the love of Allah Ta‘ala. Abandoning sins is the precondition for gaining the love of Allah Ta‘ala.
(Malfoozaat Hakeemul Ummat 26/159)
Source: Ihyaauddeen.co.za