Hakim al Umma Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanawi (Allah have mercy on him) said,

‘The friends of Allah (awliya) receive more reward for worship as compared to others. This is because of their increased servitude (uboodiyet) and sincerity (ikhlas).’

Taleemud Deen, page 121

Shaikh Imdadullah mohajir Makki (Allah have mercy on him) said,
Two rakah of an Arif are superior to 100,000 rakah of another Muslim.