They are distinct (from one another). However, the āyān (sing. ʿayn, the immutable essences) exist only through the existence of the Real (al-Ḥaqq), not through anything else. A thing cannot be distinguished from its own ʿayn. For this reason, khulla (intimate friendship) occurs especially and exclusively between Allah and the servant. Thus, this state does not occur among created beings. For this state does not arise from the existence (wujūd) of the ʿayn that is created. You must know this.
Know also that the condition of khulla is not valid among the believers (muʾminūn), nor between the prophet and those who follow him. If the conditions are not valid, the thing itself is not valid. However, at the time of obligation (taklīf), the prophet and the believer must submit not to the judgment of their own nafs (the lower self) or their friend, but to the judgment of Allah.
The condition of khulla is to submit to the judgment of one's friend. In this sense (that is, in the sense of unconditional submission), such friendship cannot be considered in an absolute (muṭlaq) sense among believers, nor between the prophet and those who follow him, in the life of this world (dunyā). Such a friendship occurs only between the believer and Allah; it is not correct in human relationships. However, if similar states prevail among people, this is also called khulla (friendship). Yet, just as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), apart from his prophethood, had no friend, nor was he anyone's companion, so too the king has no companion other than his own dominion, and the believer has no friend or companion apart from his iman (faith). One who submits to the judgment that comes to him and does not go beyond the divine command can never be a friend or companion to anyone.
Whoever, leaving Allah aside, takes a friend from among the believers, shows that he does not know what the station of khulla is. Even if he knows friendship and companionship and fulfills their rights with his friend, if he is the one who judges, this leads him to nullify the rights of Allah, and thus the deficiency of his iman becomes apparent. There is no (true) friend except Allah. (In short) the station of khulla is as exalted as it is perilous. Success comes only from Allah. There is no Lord but Him. (Futūḥāt, II, 24)