The student and teacher relationship is as old as humanity, and the path of faith, religion and spirituality is no different in the necessity of learning from a qualified guide so as to avoid the myriad of pitfalls, misinterpretations and misunderstandings that inevitably arise without guidance from a qualified mentor upon the path. A qualified and competent master is even more essential upon the path of spiritual awakening, for the goal of the way is nothing short of the transcendence of the self and the knowing of God. Because we are each in our own blindspots, having a rightly guided model and leader is indispensable for they who seek to advance towards the Divine Presence of God. In this episode of Soul of Islam Radio, I explain the role of a shaykh in the religion, and point out the key and defining qualities and characteristics that constitute a competent leader. I also point out what a shaykh is not, and how to avoid the error of cultishness that will inevitably arise around the company of an enlightened and illuminated master of the way.