How can one reconcile the Hadith: "And when you ask Allah, ask Him for Firdaus, the highest level of Paradise," with the saying of Abu Sulaiman Al-Darani: "If one recognizes in himself some of their characteristics, then [he may ask]; otherwise, he should not overstep, for that would be an transgression in supplication," when supplicating with "O Allah, make me one of Your Awliya (saints/devout servants)" despite having many sins?

It is commendable for a Muslim to supplicate to Allah Almighty and ask Him for high ranks and elevated stations in religion and Paradise. The noble Prophetic Sunnah encourages high aspiration in supplication, such as asking for the highest level of Paradise (Al-Firdaws Al-A'la), and asking Allah to make one among the righteous, the awliya' (saints/friends of Allah), and the pious, like the supplication: (And make us leaders for the righteous) [Al-Furqan: 74], and (O Allah, adorn us with the adornment of faith, and make us guides who are guided). There is no harm for a Muslim to supplicate with such prayers, as the bounty of Allah is boundless, and this is not considered an transgression in supplication. Rather, it implicitly entails asking for success in performing deeds that qualify one to reach such a high status.