Shaykh Shahabuddin Suhrawardi (may Allah have mercy on him) said,

“A Shaykh develops and nutures the love of Allah, Most High in a disciple (murid) by instructing him to follow the example and manners of the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) (i.e Sunna).

Whosoever does this correctly becomes the beloved of Allah, as it has been said in the Holy Quran,

‘(O Prophet!) Tell (them) that if you want to love Allah , then you should follow me. (By this) Allah will love you and forgive all your sins. Indeed! Allah is all forgiving and merciful. ‘(3:31)”

Awarif al-Ma’arif, chapter 10, page 231