At any given time, there are 4000 Awliya living on Earth. They are not recognized by the general public. In fact, amongst them, one does not know the other, and they them selves are not aware of the validity of their actions and devotion.
300 from this group are statesman, involved in the administration of thisworld. They control all transactions that take place. They are known as the 'Akhyaar'.

Amongst these 300, 40 are known as "Abdaal".

Amongst the 40, 7 are "Abraar&quo  more...

At any given time, there are 4000 Awliya living on Earth. They are not recognized by the general public. In fact, amongst them, one does not know the other, and they them selves are not aware of the validity of their actions and devotion.
300 from this group are statesman, involved in the administration of thisworld. They control all transactions that take place. They are known as the 'Akhyaar'.

Amongst these 300, 40 are known as "Abdaal".

Amongst the 40, 7 are "Abraar".

Amongst this 7, 4 are "Autaad".

Amongst these 4, 3 are "Noqabah".

From these 3, 1 is the "Ghaus" or "Qutub". He is the most senior of themall, and head of the spiritual assembly.


In reference to the Abdaals, Imam At-Tabarani (Radi Allahu ta'ala Anhu) quotes a Hadith Shareef in which the Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala Alayhi wa Sallam) declares, ?There will always exist 40 persons on the Earth, each of whom is blessed like Hadrat Ebrahim (Alaihis Salaam). It rains becauseof their barakah. Allah appoints another when one of them dies.

In another Hadith Shareef, Abu Naeem (Radi Allahu ta'ala Anhu) reports that the Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "There always exist 40 persons among my ummah. Their hearts are like that of HadratEbrahim (Alaihis Salaam). Allah Ta'aala redeems His human servants from disasters for their sake. They are called Abdaal. They do not attain to that degree by performing salaah, fasting, or giving zakaah.

Ibn Mas?ud (Radi Allahu ta'ala Anhu) asked, "Ya Rasoolallah (Salla Allahu ta'ala Alayhi wa Sallam), by what means do they attain that degree"

"They attain it by being generous, and by advising muslims,? said the Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala Alayhi wa Sallam).

Do remember that although all the Awliya Allah are equal as far as Wilayah is concerned, they differ as far as status is concerned.

islam786.org/awliyaallah.htm less...