One of the purposes of the company of the pious is to be in sync with them spiritually.
Physical closeness, correspondence and other means of communications are to firmly establish this. The pious (Shaikh) should be able to recognize the seeker individually, acknowledge his sincerity and, hence,make abundant supplications (dua) for his success.
It is this Sunnah of sincere dua of a fellow Muslim for the spiritual benefit of another Muslim individual that acts like a catalyst in the alchemical process of Sulook.
Shaykh Abu Taleb Makki (Allah have mercy on him) reported this in Quwwat al-Quloob,
A seeker approached a Gnostic of Allah (‘arif billah) and said,
‘ I am heedless of Allah’s remembrance, usually procrastinating good deeds and extremely lazy. Please, advice me on how can I overcome these things.
The Gnostic replied,
’O brother!
If it is possible for you to love the friends of Allah (awliya) and keep their close company then immediately do so.
Perhaps they will keep you in their heart. And remember every day seventy times Allah’s special mercy is focused on these hearts. Maybe someday because of the love you have for them this mercy of Allah will be focused on you to. This will indeed take care of all your problems of this world and here-after.’
Ahl-e-sulook par achi buri Sohbet kay asaraat, page10
Sheikh Ahmed Abul Abbas Mar’ashi ra said:
“Do not demand that the Sheikh keeps you in his heart. But you should ask your heart to lodge the Sheikh in it. As much as you keep the Sheikh in your heart, similarly the Sheikh will accommodate you in his heart.”
Rooh e Tasawwuf, page 129
Hazrat Arifbillah Dr. Abdul Hayy Arifi ra said;
“If you desire Allah’s love, sit in the heart of any of the Awliya and keep his company physically. InshaAllah, you will develop love of Allah . Secondly, continue to make lot of remembrance of Allah.”