WILAAYAT - FRIENDSHIP OF ALLAH
Wali is a pious Muslim who due to his knowledge and closeness to Allah has been given a specific position. Usually this grade is given after strictly following the Shariat and also devotion and worship. It is however, given sometimes from birth and therefore without devotion and effort. Out of all the Aulia, the highest grade is held by the Calipha-e-Raashideen.
There have been Aulia in every era and will always be in every era, however, their recognition is difficult. Allah have given the Aulia great strength, whoever asks for their help is given that help even though they may be a great distance away. There knowledge is extensive, upto the extent that many give information of 'Makaana Wamaayakoon' (what has happened and what will happen) and on 'Lo'he Mahfooz'.
After death their power and strength increases. To visit their shrines is to gain virtue, prosperity and blessing. To present them with Eesaal-e-Sawab is a very good thing and a way of gaining blessings. To perform the 'Urs' (death anniversary) of Aulia-e-Kiram, meaning every year to pray the Quran, perform Fatiha, speech ceremony, Eesaal-e-Sawab are all good things and are worthy of reward. However, as regard to bad acts and non allowable actions like, dance, music, group acts etc. are all sinful deeds and are even more sinful when performed near shrines.
What qualifications are necessary for a Peer
To become followers of Aulia and to become involved with them is a worthy action to gain reward in both worlds, it is therefore necessary for these four qualifying aspects to be necessary in a Peer, for one to perform Bai'at (take oath).
They must be a Sunni with the correct beliefs, otherwise you may actually lose your faith.
He must have enough knowledge so that he can complete his necessary actions by looking at books, otherwise he will no be able to differentiate between forbidden and acceptable, allowed and not allowed.
He must not be a Fasiq (wrongdoer, one who does not follow Shariat) as it is necessary to disrespect a Fasiq and it is important to respect a Peer.
His tree of virtue must be connected to the Holy Prophet otherwise he will not gain virtue from the top.
