Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi (rahimahullah) once mentioned the following:
For those people who wish to be counted among the ranks of the pious, then the way for them to achieve this is for them to follow the prescription mentioned in the blessed hadeeth. The hadeeth states “المرأ مع من أحب” (a person will be joined with those whom he loved in the world).
In other words, on the Day of Qiyaamah, every person will be grouped with those whom he loved in this world. If a person loves the pious servants of Allah Ta‘ala in this world, then he will be grouped with them on the Day of Qiyaamah.
(Malfoozaat Hakeemul Ummat 15/220)
Note: When a person has true love in his heart for the pious servants of Allah Ta‘ala, then this love will certainly motivate him to follow them in his Deen and lifestyle. This will then eventually cause him to be joined up with them in the Hereafter.
Source: Ihyaauddeen.co.za