They are not independent and can never be so.

While they are needful of God, the more they supplicate, the richer they become.

What is their merchandise, their wealth?
In the other world what is help and assistance?
It is intercession.

Undeveloped souls must gain progress at first through the supplications of the spiritually rich; afterwards they can progress through their own supplications." Again He says:--"Those who have ascended have different attributes from those who are still on earth, yet there is no real separation.
"In prayer there is a mingling of station, a mingling of condition.

Pray for them as they pray for you!"-- 'Abdu'l-Baha in London, p.