Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Ilyaas (rahmatullahi \u2018alaih) once mentioned the following:<\/p>\n
Those who are engaged in the effort of Da\u2019wat and Tableegh should keep in mind that while they are out in the path of Allah Ta\u2018ala, they should pay special attention to \u2018ilm and zikr. Without progressing in \u2018ilm and zikr, it is not possible for one to progress in Deen.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, in order for one to acquire \u2018ilm and zikr and gain perfection in it, one should keep himself connected to our Deeni elders who are engaged in the field of \u2018ilm and zikr, and he should then remain under their guidance and supervision.<\/p>\n
The Ambiyaa (\u2018alaihimus salaam) acquired their \u2018ilm and zikr directly from Allah Ta\u2018ala. The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu \u2018anhum) acquired their \u2018ilm and zikr directly from Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam). Thereafter, the people of every era should acquire \u2018ilm and zikr from the Deeni elders of that era who are engaged in \u2018ilm and zikr. It is as though the Deeni elders of every era are the khulafaa (representatives) of Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam).<\/p>\n
Therefore, in the field of \u2018ilm and zikr, one should remain connected to the Deeni elders of the field, as one will always be in need of them.<\/p>\n