Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Ilyaas (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) once mentioned the following:
Those who are engaged in the effort of Da’wat and Tableegh should keep in mind that while they are out in the path of Allah Ta‘ala, they should pay special attention to ‘ilm and zikr. Without progressing in ‘ilm and zikr, it is not possible for one to progress in Deen.
Furthermore, in order for one to acquire ‘ilm and zikr and gain perfection in it, one should keep himself connected to our Deeni elders who are engaged in the field of ‘ilm and zikr, and he should then remain under their guidance and supervision.
The Ambiyaa (‘alaihimus salaam) acquired their ‘ilm and zikr directly from Allah Ta‘ala. The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) acquired their ‘ilm and zikr directly from Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Thereafter, the people of every era should acquire ‘ilm and zikr from the Deeni elders of that era who are engaged in ‘ilm and zikr. It is as though the Deeni elders of every era are the khulafaa (representatives) of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).
Therefore, in the field of ‘ilm and zikr, one should remain connected to the Deeni elders of the field, as one will always be in need of them.
(Malfoozaat Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Ilyaas [rahmatullahi ‘alaih] pg. 116-117)
Source: Ihyaauddeen.co.za