Are there saints and righteous people in Islam? Do Muslims sanctify the Companions of Prophet Muhammad?

The Muslim follows in the footsteps of the righteous and the Prophet's Companions. He loves them and tries to be as righteous as they were, and he worships Allah alone just as they did. However, he does not sanctify them or take them as mediators between himself and Allah.

{...and that we do not take one another as lords besides Allah...} [168] Surat Āl ‘Imrān: 64.