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

‘The real criteria for being pious (buzurg) is that as one progresses  in spirituality the more he resembles the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace).

This is because the friendship of Allah (wilayet) is a derivative of the Prophethood (nubuwat).’

al-Rafiq fi suwa it-Tareeq, Malfuzat e Hakim al-Ummat volume 27-28, page 89