Shaykh Shah Wasiullah (Allah have mercy on him) said,

“Commonly people state that after achieving annihilation in Shaykh (fana fi Shaykh) the status of annihilation in Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) is attained and after this annihilation in Allah (fana fil Allah) can be obtained.

However, at practical level it is observed that they are content at annihilation in Shaykh (fana fi Shaykh) and do not progress further.

I do not approve of this.

Moreover, I consider a Shaykh to be negligent in fulfilling the obligation of the path (tariq) and of his status by not guiding the disciple to the realization (ma’arifa ) of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). ‘

Tazkirah Muslih al-Ummat ra, page 105

At another place Shaykh elucidates that by ma’arifa of Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) it is meant recognizing the significance of following his example (Sunna). ( page 104)

At another place Shaykh repeats,

‘Moreover, the only feat for Shaykh is to ensure that the disciple reaches Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). If he does not do this then he has not fulfilled his obligations and not done the essential job entrusted to him.’ (103)