Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi (rahimahullah) once mentioned:
Hazrat Haatim Asamm (rahimahullah) once said, “I feel that until one does not recite some portion of the Quraan Majeed daily as well as read or listen to some of the advices and incidents of his shaikh or other mashaayikh of the silsilah daily, his imaan will not remain safe.”
On one occasion, the people enquired from Hazrat Hamdaani (rahimahullah), “When a person’s shaikh passes away, then what should he do in order to safeguard his imaan?”
Hazrat Hamdaani (rahimahullah) replied, “He should study his shaikh’s advices, listen to his teachings and ponder over the meaning of his words. The reason is that through studying his advices and incidents, one will develop a connection with him and with Deen, and this connection will then become the means for one to remain firm upon Deen and acquire salvation in the Hereafter. The hadeeth mentions, “The one who emulates a people will be counted among them (in the sight of Allah Ta‘ala).”
Furthermore, an additional benefit that is acquired through studying the incidents and advices of the mashaayikh and pious saints is that one will realize that one’s speech, actions and condition does not resemble theirs, and as a result, one will feel humbled, and self-admiration and pride will leave one’s heart. Thereafter, one will desire to emulate them and will endeavour to become like them.
(Malfoozaat Hakeemul Ummah 15/195)
Source: Ihyaauddeen.co.za