Spiritual master (Sufism)

When the traveller on the spiritual path reaches the level of murid he comes under the guidance of a spiritual director from whom he receives mystical training. The director disciplines his soul through a mystical process during which spiritual progress is carefully monitored; and becomes the means for the making his disciple love God and for making him lovable to God. The spiritual director is regarded as a supreme ruler and venerated as a saint, his disciples pledging themselves to do his will without regard to their own wishes. Such a director is considered indispensable on the path but eventually the believer attain such wisdom that he achieves direct communion with God.