The Preservation of one’s Deen Depends on Remaining in the Company of the Ahlullah

Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) once mentioned:

This era is one of great corruption and vice. One is faced with trials and tribulations from all sides and one’s Imaan is being constantly attacked. Therefore I regard it compulsory for the preservation of one’s Deen that one aligns himself with the pious and righteous servants of Allah Ta’ala and remains in their company. I even issue the fatwa of it being fardh to remain in the company of the Ahlullah in these trying times. What doubt can there be in this? When the preservation of one’s Imaan depends on the protection of one’s Deen and with experience it is proven that one’s Deen will only be safeguarded and protected through remaining in the company of the Ahlullah, then what doubt can one have in it being fardh? (Malfoozaat Hakeemul Ummat 7/107)