Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
What is the role of the Shaykh in purification of the heart?
The Shaykh is the most important means of removing the seeker’s blameworthy traits. The Shaykh is not someone who makes false claims or performs miracles but rather someone who is upright in his religion and has a sanad (chain of connection) in purification of the heart. If the seeker is truthful, Allah will cause him to meet a shaykh who will purify him.