Earlier, we have said that the aim of Sufism is the cultivation of perfect human beings who are mirrors reflecting the Divine Names and Attributes. In Sufism, a perfected human being is also called a wali (saint), a word that literally means 'sincere friend'. All who have been prophets have also been saints. The spiritual degree of sainthood is a station indicating the condition of one's inner being, while the rank of prophethood reflects one's mission as a divine messenger in the world.

The prophetic mission of Muhammad was both Absolute Sainthood and Prophecy. 'Ali, while not among the prophets, attained to this same Absolute Sainthood. Mohammed said, " 'Ali and I are of the same light," and 'Ali said, "Spiritually, I have been with all the Prophets."

The saints, each according to his or her own capacity, have drunk from the fountain of Truth. Because they are known only by God, only God can truly know the differences between their spiritual stations. In a prophetic tradition (hadith), God says, "My friends (saints) are under my banner; no one knows them but me."

Most people do not have the patience necessary to know the saints. One who is encompassed cannot truly know what encompasses him. True knowledge of the saints comes from knowing their reality through one's inner being.

A common misunderstanding is the thought that by going into seclusion one can become a saint. However, in the way of the sufi, one must live in society. Being a recluse and retreating from contact with people has no lasting spiritual value.

Mohammed said, "The faith of a believer is not perfect unless one thousand sincere people give witness to his 'infidelity'." He meant that the divine knowledge of a perfect believer is beyond the level of thinking of most people. Those who hear such a perfected being speak, since they can not perceive the truth of what he is saying, will call him or her an unbeliever.

A true believer, a sufi, must live in, serve and guide society, and be a vehicle by which society receives Grace. It is for this reason that conforming to and being in harmony with society, being at peace with all, is a quality of a perfected being.