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

“It is from suhba (pious companionship) that deen (religion) is acquired.

I swear to it that deen can not be obtained from books!

Formal religious knowledge may be achieved via reading, but true religiosity can never be obtained without serving eagerly at the footsteps of a master.

Akbar (Allahbadi ra) who was a fine poet and his verses had wisdom in them, said

دین ہوتا ہے بزرگوں کی نظر سے پیدا

Awaj e Qanowj, page 82