Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi (rahimahullah) once mentioned the following:<\/p>\n
According to the Sufis, the term \u201cNisbat (connection)\u201d refers to acquiring a special connection with Allah Ta\u2018ala and this special connection is a sign of one being a wali of Allah Ta\u2018ala (a special friend of Allah Ta\u2018ala).<\/p>\n
The way to acquire this nisbat can be summed up in two sentences: (1) Through constantly remaining in the obedience of Allah Ta\u2018ala (2) Through constantly remaining in the remembrance of Allah Ta\u2018ala. In other words, that person is regarded as a saahib-e-nisbat (a special friend of Allah Ta\u2018ala) who at all times adheres to the commands of sharee\u2018ah, refrains from all types of sins and constantly remains in zikr (the remembrance of Allah Ta\u2018ala).<\/p>\n
Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi (rahimahullah) was then asked whether this nisbat is acquired through the grace of Allah Ta\u2018ala or through one\u2019s effort and actions. Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi (rahimahullah) replied that gaining this nisbat takes place solely through the grace of Allah Ta\u2018ala and not through one\u2019s effort and actions. However, when one remains constant in adhering to the commands of sharee\u2018ah and fulfils what Allah Ta\u2018ala wants from him at all times, then Allah Ta\u2018ala blesses him with nisbat.<\/p>\n