After describing the reality of tareeqat in detail, Hazrat Hakeemul Ummat Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanawi ra summarizes it,

“Thus, salik has to do two things.

One is essential (faraz). That is observance of the commands of Shariah, both exoteric and esoteric. The other is mustaheb (commendable). That is excessive remembrance of Allah SWT.

By observance of the commands of Shariah Allah SWT’s acceptance and by (His) excessive remembrance (His) extra-pleasure and proximity is achieved.

This summarizes the strategy and goal of tareeq.”

Tarbiyat us Salik, volume 1, page 8