Explaining who in the truest sense of the concept are the Ulama-e-Haq (the True Ulama), Hakeemul Ummat, Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (Rahmatullahi alaih) said:
“How can he (an Aalim) be of the Ahl-e-Haq when his gaze is focused on others (besides Allah Ta’ala)? Walahoula wa la quwwata! It is utterly disgraceful that a man is initiated as a Mureed (by a Shaikh) merely to increase his circle and strength. Haq is such a power that if in the entire world there remains only one Man of the Haq, and the whole world is filled with Ahl-e-Baatil (People of Falsehood), then the Aalim of Haq views them all as beings devoid of reality. He understands and knows: ‘I can overwhelm them all (with the Haq).’ If he (the Aalim of Haqq) lacks this degree of spiritual power, then, in fact, he is not among the Ahl-e-Haqq.”