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

‘A friend of Allah (wali) can never reach the status of any of the Prophets.

The acts of worship (that are essential) can never be waived off. On the contrary the elite (friends of Allah) are instructed to do more acts of worship.

However, a majzoob, who has a overwhelming state is excused.

The wali is neither infallible (m’asoom) nor can he reach the status of the Companions (of Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace). Allah says in this regards,

‘You are the best ‘Ummah ever raised for mankind.’ [3:110]

And the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said,
‘You are the best nation out of the people.’

Moreover, there is consensus (ijma) of the scholars that all of the Companions are just.

Abdullah ibn al Mubarak (Allah have mercy on him) who was from the taba’een, said, ‘the dust in the nose of horse that Sayyidina Muawiyah (Allah be pleased with him) rode is better than Owais al Qarni and Umar al Marwani (Allah have mercy on them.’

Taleemud Deen, page 128

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

‘Negligence in maintaining etiquette (adab) of friends of Allah (awliya) is forbidden.

Similar, and more worse, is the case of excessive and overenthusiastic attitude in this regards.
This is because, it diminishes the status of Allah and the Prophet.

For example, considering awliya to be ‘Alim ul ghayib‘ (having knowledge of ‘unseen’*). This (assumption) necessitates unbelief (kufr).
Allah says,

Say, “No one in the heavens and the earth has the knowledge of the Unseen except Allah.” [27:65]

Say, “I do not say to you that I have the treasures of Allah, nor do I have the knowledge of the Unseen, nor do I say to you that I am an angel. I only follow what is revealed to me.” ” [6:50]

“………….they encompass nothing of His knowledge, except what He wills.” [2:255]

Or considering them (awliya) to have powers to create or destroy something or give children or provision, etc. or coerce Allah to do so is also unbelief (kufr).

Say, “I have no power to bring a benefit or a harm to myself, except that which Allah wills.” [7:188]

Or to perform an act for them (awliya) from the (established) actions of worship (ibadaat). Like, intending a vow (nazar) in their name, or performing tawaf of their grave, or supplicating to them, or recitation of their name as form of worship. Some of these acts are sinful and innovation, and others are unbelief (kufr) and associating partners with Allah (shirk).

Allah says,

“You alone do we worship, and from You alone do we seek help.” [1:5]

The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said,
“Tawaf (circumbulation) of the House (of Allah: ka’ba) is (like) salah.”

«الدعاء هو العبادة»
“Supplications (dua) is (form of) worship”.

Allah says,

“Your Lord has said, “Call Me, I will respond to you. Definitely those who show arrogance against worshiping Me shall enter Jahannam (Hell) with disgrace.” [40:60]

“Surely, those whom you invoke beside Allah are slaves (of Allah) like you.” [7:194]

Taleemud Deen, page 127-9

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

‘It is acclaimed that one should consider his Shaikh superior to all other (Shuyukh).

Apparently there seems to be a contradiction in this and what Allah says,

…………….Above every man of knowledge, there is someone more knowledgeable.[12:76]

(To reconcile these) it must be clear that if one thinks like this due to overwhelming love (sukr e muhabbat) then he is excused.

If one is not in a state of overwhelm-ness than he should think that in living individuals I can not find anyone else who can benefit me more (spiritually) than this individual.
This is what my Shaikh sayyidi wa sanadi al Haaj Mohammad Imdadullah (Allah have mercy on him) said.’

Taleemud Deen, page 126

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

‘It is an abominable practice and (sign of spiritual) debauchery to make bayiah with multiple Shuyukh without a genuine reason.

This results in loss of the blessings (barakah) of bayiah.

Moreover, it befogs the (spiritual beneficence received from the) heart (qalb) of the Shaykh and ripping of the (spiritual) connection (nisbet) is feared.

Such a person gains the reputation of being a (spiritual) delinquent.

Taleemud Deen, page 125-6

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

‘If an individual with correct intention stayed in the service of a Shaikh for considerable duration but did not find any influence (ta’seer) in his company than he should seek his objective at another place. This is because the objective is Allah not the Shaikh.

However, one should not have bad belief about the first Shaikh. It is possible that he is perfect and accomplished but one’s share was not there.

Similarly, if the Shaikh dies before the objective is achieved or it is impossible to meet him then one should seek another Shaikh. The thought of benefiting from his grave being sufficient and no need for another living Shaikh must not be entertained . This is because the benefiting from the grave is not for instruction (and guidance), only a sahib e nisbet can benefit, resulting in progress of his state (Ahwal). Whereas, this individual is still in need of instruction. Moreover, if this was the case (that benefiting from grave of pious was enough) then there would be no need of bayiah (taking another Shaikh). There are millions of graves of perfect Shuyukh and even Prophets (to benefit from in the world).

Taleemud Deen, page 125