Quotes From The Salaf - 2

Quotes From The Salaf

‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab said:

“Whoever decorates himself by displaying to the people some characteristics that Allaah knows are contrary to his real characteristics, will be disgraced and dishonoured by Allaah.” [Ad-Daaraqutnee, 4/207]

Al-Hasan Al-Basree said:

“To endure short-lived difficulties that are followed by long lasting ease, is better than hurrying for a short-lived ease that is followed by ever-lasting hardship.” [Al-Hilyah, 2/134]

Al-Fadl Ibn Muhammad Ash-Sha’raanee said:

“I never saw ‘Abdullaah Ibn Saalih (137-223H) except that he was narrating ahaadeeth or saying tasbeeh.” [Siyaar A’laamun Nubulaa, Vol. 10, Pp. 405-416]

Ash-Sha’bee said:

“For 20 years I have not heard a man narrate hadeeth except that I know more about it than him. I had forgotten some knowledge, the extent of which if a person were to memorize (it), he would be a scholar.”[]

Fudayl Ibn ‘Iyaad (d. 187) said:

“Whoever marries his beloved daughter to an innovator has cut off the ties of relationship with her.” [Al-Barbahaaree, An Explanation of the Creed, 137]

Imaam Adh-Dhahabee said:

“May Allaah have mercy over the person who speaks little, reads the Quraan, weeps over his lost time, constantly gazes into (saheeh) Bukhaaree and (saheeh) Musilm, and worships Allaah before he is surprised by death.” [At-Tadhkirah, 2/80]

Sufyaan Ibn Uyaynah (d. 197) said:

“The Sunnah is ten things, whosoever accepts them has completed the Sunnah, and whosoever abandons anything from them has abandoned the Sunnah….. [and the last one he mentioned was] and not testifying that any Muslim will definitely be in Paradise or Hell (except with a textual proof).” [Al-Laalakaa’ee, no. 312]

Imaam Ahmad said:

“The Companions of the Messenger of Allaah (saw) – after the four caliphs – are the best of the people, and it is not permissible for anyone to … speak ill of any of them, blaming them for deficiencies and shortcomings. It is indeed obligatory upon the ruler to reprimand and punish whoever does that, and he should not be pardoned.” [Kitaab As-Sunnah, p. 77-78 & Manaaqibul Imaam Ahmad, of Ibnul Jawzee, p. 170]

Imaam Al-Awzaa’ee (d.157) said:

“Make yourself patient upon the Sunnah, stop where the people stopped, speak with what they spoke with, and refrain from what they refrained from. And follow the path of your Righteous Predecessors (Salafus Saaliheen) for verily, sufficient for you is that which was sufficient for them.” [Related in Ash-Sharee’ah, by Al-Aajurree, p. 58]

Imaam Maalik said:

“The shield of the Scholar is, ‘I do not know’, so if he leaves it down, his attacker will strike him.” [Al-Intiqaa’, p. 37]

Ibn ‘Adbil-Barr said:

“It is authentically related from Abu Dardaa’ that ‘I do not know’ is half of knowledge.” [Jaami’ Bayaanil ‘Ilm Wa Fadhlih, 1/54]

‘Adbullaah Ibn Yazeed Ibn Hurmuz said:

“It is befitting for the scholar that he passes on to his students the statement, ‘I do not know’, until that becomes the foundation that they flee to.” []

Mu’aadh ibn Jabal (ra) said:

“O’ people, you must seek knowledge before it is taken away, for indeed when its people (the scholars) die, it wll be taken away. And beware of bid’ah, innovation and sophistication, and adhere to the ancient way [i.e., the way of the Prophet (saw)].” [Al-Bidaayah wan-Nahy ‘anha by Ibn Waddaah]

Abu Bakr bin Abdullah al Muzani said:

“Who is like you, O son of Adam? Whenever you wish, you use water to make Ablution, go to the place for worship and thus enter the presence of your Lord (i.e. start praying) without a translator/barrier or a barrier between you and Him!” [Al Bidayah Wan-Nihayah 9/256]

Hudhayfah ibn al-Yamaan (ra) said:

“Do not perform any act of worship that was not practised by the Companions of the Messenger of Allah, for the earlier generation did not leave any room for the latter to add anything (to the religion). Fear Allah, O’ readers, seekers of knowledge, and follow the path of those who came before you.” [Narrated by Ibn Battah in Al-Ibaanah]

Ibn Shubrumah said:

“I am amazed at the people who take care of themselves by eating food out of fear of dying, yet do not protect themselves from sins out of fear of the Fire.” [Siyar A’laam an-Nubalaa, 6/348]

Imaam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal said:

“Describe Allaah with what He has described Himself with, and negate from Allaah what He has negated from Himself…” [Manaaqibul Imaam Ahmad, by Ibn Al-Jawzee, p. 221]

Imaam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal also said:

“…and in no way is Allaah to be described with anything more than what He – the Mighty and Majestic – has described himself with.” [Kitaabul-Mhnah p. 68]

‘Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood (r) said:

“Whoever wants to follow an example, let him follow the example of those who have passed away, the Companions of Muhammad (saw). They were the best of this ummah, the purest in heart, the deepest in knowledge, the least in sophistication. They were people whom Allah chose to be the Companions of His Prophet (S) and to convey His religion, so imitate their ways and behaviour, for they were following the Straight Path.” [Al-Baghawi in Sharh as-Sunnah]

Haytham Ibn Jameel was asked:

“A man is well learned with regards to the affairs of the Sunnah, should he debate and argue about them?”

He replied:

“No, however he should inform the people about the Sunnah, so if it is accepted from him then good and if not then he should keep silent.” [Jaami’u Bayaan Al-‘Ilmi Wa Fadhlihi, 4/94]

Imaam Ahmad said:

“Whosoever alleges that Allaah does not speak, then he is a disbeliever. Verily we relay these narrations as they have come.” [As-Sunnah, p. 71]

‘Abdulaah Ibn Mas’ood said:

“Follow and do not innovate, for everything has been taken care of, and you must follow the ancient way (i.e., of the Salaf).” [Ad-Daarimi in his Sunan]

Sufyaan Ath-Thawree said:

“The excellence of knowledge is due only to the fact that it causes a person to fear and obey Allaah, otherwise it is just like anything else.” [Related by ibn Rajab]

Imaam Ash-Shaafi’ee (d.204) said;

“I left Baghdaad, and I did not leave behind me a man better, having more knowledge, or greater fiqh (understanding), nor having greater taqwaa (piety) than Ahmad Ibn Hanbal.” [Siyar ‘Alaamin Nubulaa’, 11/177-358]

Ibn ‘Abbaas said:

“Ties between relatives may be severed, and a person’s kindness may be rejected and unappreciated, but there is nothing like closeness between hearts.” [Ad-Durr Al-Manthoor Fee Tafseer Al-Ma’thoor, 4/100]

‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Umar (ra) said:

“People will continue to adhere to the correct way so long as they folow the footsteps [of the Prophet (saw)].” [Al-Laalkaa’i in Sharh Usool I’tiqaad Ahl as-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah]

Aboo Bakr said:

“I am not going to leave anything that the Messenger of Allaah (saw) used to do but I will do it too, because I am afraid that if I leave anything that he used to do, I will go astray.” [Saheeh Muslim, 1759]

Al-Hasan al-Basree said:

“Whoever learns something in the name of Allaah, seeking that which is with Him, he will win. And whoever learns something for other than Allaah, he will not reach the goal, nor will his acquired knowledge bring him closer to Allaah.” [Related by Ibn ul Jawzee]

Ibn Mas’ood (d. 32H) said:

“The jamaa’ah is whatever agrees with the truth – even if you are alone.” [Reported in Taareekh Dimashq with an authentic chain of narration]

Ishaaq Ibn Raahawaih (d. 238H), (the teacher of Imaam Bukhaaree) said:

“If you were to ask the ignorant people about the ‘Main Body’ they would say, ‘The majority of people.‘ they do not know that the jamaa’ah is the scholar who clings to the narrations from the Prophet (saw) and his way. So whoever is with the him (the scholar) and follows him, then he is the Jama’ah.” [Aboo Nu’aym in Hilyatul Awliyaah]

Sufyaan Ath-Thawree said:

“If a scholar is on top of a mountain, then he is the Jamaa’ah.”[]

‘Abdullaah Ibn ‘Umr said:

“Every bid’ah is misguidance, even if people think it is good.” [Al-Laalkaa’i in Sharh Usool I’tiqaad Ahl as-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah]

Shaqeeq al-Balkhee said:

“The sign of repentance (is): weeping at what has preceded, fear of falling into sin, leaving evil company and maintaining the company of the good.” [Siyar A’laam an-Nubalaa, 9/315]

Aboo Daawood (d.275) said:

“The lectures of Ahmad were sittings of the hereafter. He would not mention in them anything of the worldly affairs; and I never saw him mention this world (elsewhere).” [Siyar ‘Alaamin Nubulaa’, 11/177-358]

‘Alee Ibn Al-Madeenee (d.234) said:

“Indeed Allaah aided this religion through Aboo Bakr as-Sideeq on the day of the apostasy; and through Ahmad Ibn Hanbal on the day of the trial.” [Tathkiratul Huffaath, 2/432]

Qutaybah Ibn Sa’eed (d.240) said:

“If you see a man loving Ahmad, then know that he is a person of the Sunnah.” [Siyar ‘Alaamin Nubulaa’, 11/177-358]

Ibraaheem al-Hatbee (d.285) said;

“I saw Aboo ‘Abdillaah (Ahmad Ibn Hanbal), and it was as if Allaah had gathered for him the knowledge of the earlier people and the later people.” [Siyar ‘Alaamin Nubulaa’, 11/177-358]

Abu ad-Darda’ (ra) said:

“You will never be misguided so long as you follow the footsteps [of the Prophet (saw)].” [Ibn Battah in Al-Ibaanah]

‘Eesaa Ibn Maryam said:

“Indeed whoever prays and fasts, but does not leave off sinning, then it is written that he is a liar.” [Siyar A’laam an-Nubalaa, 13/196]

Yahyaa Ibn Ma’een said; “Defending the sunnah is more excellent than Jhaad in Allaah’s cause.“ So it was said to Yahyaa Ibn Ma’een, “A man spends his wealth, tires himself out and fights Jhaad, and this one (who defends the sunnah) is more excellent than him?!“ He said “Yes, by a great deal!“ [Refer to “Siyaar A’laamin Nubulaa”, of Adh-Dhahabee, Vol. 10, Pp. 512-519]

Al-Makkee Ibn Ibraaheem (126-214H) said:

“I made hajj sixty times, and I married sixty women, and I lived in the precincts of the House (the Ka’bah) for ten years, and I wrote narrations from ten Taabi’ees and if I knew that the people would have a need of me I would not have written from anyone less than the Taabi’een.” [“Siyaar A’laamin Nubulaa”, of Adh-Dhahabee, 9/549-553]

‘Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (ra) said:

“If religion were based on opinion (what people think is common sense), then we should wipe the bottom of the khuff (leather slippers) rather than the top, but I saw the Messenger of Allah wiping the top of them.” [Ibn Abi Shaybah in Al-Musannaf]

‘Abdullaah ibn Daawood said:

“I have never lied except on one occasion. My father said to me: “Have you read to the teacher?” And I said: “Yes”…whereas I had not read to him.” [Siyar A’laam an-Nubalaa, 9/349]

Ibn Mas’ood said:

“True knowledge is not measured in relationship to how much you memorize and then narrate, but rather, true knowledge is an expression of piety [protecting oneself from what Allaah prohibited and acting upon what He mandated].” []

Ibn Mas’ood said:

“Study and act upon what you learn.” [Related by Abu Na`eem]

‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-’Aas said:

“No bid’ah is introduced but it will spread further and no Sunnah is neglected but it will dimminish further.” [Ibn Battah in Al-Ibaanah]

Talq ibn Habeeb said:

“Indeed the rights of Allaah are far greater than the servant can fulfill, and indeed the blessings of Allaah are far more than can be counted, however, be repentful in the morning and evening (i.e. throughout the day).” [Siyar A’laam an-Nubalaa, 4/622]

Imam Al-Awzaa’i said:

“You must follow the footsteps of those who came before, even if the people reject you. Beware of personal opinions even if people make them attractive. The clear way is that of the Straight Path.” [Al-Khateeb in Sharaf Ashaab al-Hadeeth]

Shubrumah said:

“We accompanied Karz al Harithi on a journey. Whenever he wanted to set camp in an area, he used to scan it with his eyes and when he found a good piece of land that he liked, he would go to it and pray there until it was time to leave.” [Sifat As-Safwah 3/120]

Ayyoob as-Sakhtiyaani said:

“The more the innovator increases his efforts in innovation, the further away he becomes from Allah.” [Al-Bia’h Wan-Nahy ‘anha by Ibn Waddaah]

‘Umar ibn ‘Abdul-’Azeez said:

“I have never lied since learning that lying adversely affects the liar.” [Siyar A’laam an-Nubalaa, 5/121]

‘Abdullaah Bin Mubaarak said:

“We are more in need of a small amount of Adab, than much knowledge.”

Hassaan ibn ‘Atiyah said:

“No people introduce innovation into their religion but an equivalent amount of Sunnah will be taken away.” [Al-Laalkaa’i in Sharh Usool I’tiqaad Ahl as-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah]

Ibn ‘Abbaas said:

“Indeed the most detestable of things to Allaah are the innovations.” [As-Sunan al-Kubraa, 4/316]

Muhammad ibn Seereen said:

“They used to say: so long as he is following the footsteps (of the Salaf), then he is on the right path.” [Al-Laalkaa’i in Sharh Usool I’tiqaad Ahl as-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah]

Ibn ‘Umar said:

“Every innovation is misguidance, even if the people see it as something good.” [Abu Shaamah, #39]

‘Abdullaah Ibn Al-Mubaarak said:

“Be one who relies on the narrations (from the Salaf) and accept of people’s opinions that which may explain the hadith to you.” [Al-Bayhaqi in Sunan al-Kubra]

Sufyaan Ath-Thawree said:

“Innovation is more beloved to Iblees than sin, since a sin may be repented from but innovation is not repented from.” [Sharh Usool I’tiqaad Ahlis-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah, #238]

Al-Fudayl Ibn ‘Iyaad said:

“I met the best of people, all of them people of the Sunnah and they used to forbid from accompanying the people of innovation.” [Sharh Usool I’tiqaad Ahlis-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah, #267]

Mujaahid said:

“Those who love each other for Allah’s Sake, when they smile at each other, their sins fall from each other, just as the leaves fall from a tree before the winter.” []

Imaam Ash-Shaafi’i said:

“Every issue of which I spoke in a manner that goes against the Sunnah, I retract it during my lifetime and after my death.” [Al-Khateeb in Al-Faqeeh wal-Mutafaqqih]

Al-Hasan Al-Basree said:

“Do not sit with the people of innovation and desires, nor argue with them, nor listen to them.” [Sunan Ad-Daarimee, 1/121]

Ibraaheem ibn Maysarah said:

“Whoever honours an innovator has aided in the destruction of Islaam.” [Sharh Usool I’tiqaad Ahlis-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah, 1/139]

‘Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood said:

“If I had ten days left to live, and I knew I would die by the end of them, and I had enough time to get married, I would get married for fear of temptation (fitnah).” [Sa’eed Ibn Mansoor, Al-Sunan, #493]

Uthman Ibn Abee Dahshah said:

“I have never prayed a Salah that I have not asked Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala to forgive for my shortcomings in that Salah.” []

Umar ibn Abdul Azeez said:

“Become a scholar if you are able. If you are not able, then be a student. If you can not, then show love for them. If you are unable to do that, then (at least) do not hate them.” []

Sufyaan ath-Thawree said:

“Whoever listens to an innovator has left the protection of Allaah and is entrusted with the innovation.” [Al-Hilyah, 7/26]

Imaam al-Barbahaaree said:

“The innovators are like scorpions. They bury their heads and bodies in the sand and leave their tails out. When they get the chance they sting; the same with the innovators who conceal themselves amongst the people, when they are able, they do what they desire.” [Tabaqaatul-Hanaabilah, 2/44]

Abu Haatim said:

“A sign of the people of innovation is their battling against the people of Narrations.” [Sharh Usool I’tiqaad Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah, 1/179]

As-Saffaareenee said:

“And we are not focusing on mentioning the virtues of the people of Hadeeth, for indeed their virtues are well known and their merits are many. So whoever belittles them, then he is despicable and lowly. And whoever hates them, then he is from the backward party of the Devil.” [Lawaa’ihul-Anwaar, 2/355]

Aboo ‘Uthmaan As-Saaboonee said:

“The signs of the people of innovation are clear and obvious. The most apparent of their signs is their severe enmity for those who carry the reports of the Prophet.” [The ‘Aqeedah of the (Pious) Predecessors, p.101]

Ahmad Ibn ‘Atiyyah reported:

“The daily portion of voluntary raka’ah for prayer that Muhammad Ibn Samaa’ah made was two hundred raka’ah.” [As-Siyar, 10/646]

‘Ataa reported:

“Murrah used to offer six hundred units of voluntary prayer daily…” [As-Siyar, 4/75]

Qays Ibn Rabee’ narrated:

“I saw Yazeed Ibn Zuray’ in a dream and asked him, ‘What has Allaah done with you?‘ He replied, ‘I have been granted entrance into Paradise.‘ I then asked, ‘Why?‘ He answered, ‘By abundantly offering prayer.‘ ” [As-Siyar, 8/297]

‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud said:

“If a man were to stand for seventy years worshipping Allah between the Yemeni Corner and the Maqam of Ibrahim (at the Ka’bah), he would still be resurrected on the Day of Judgement with those whom he loved.” []

Muhammad Ibn An-Nadr Al-Haarithee said:

“Whoever listens to a person of innovation – and knows that he is a person of innovation – then protection is taken away from him, and he is left to himself.” [Sharh Usool I’tiqaad, 1/135-136]

Imaam ash-Shaatibee (rahima-hullaah) mentions:

“Linguistically bid’ah (innovation) means ‘a newly invented matter’. The Sharee’ah definition of bid’ah as: ‘A newly invented way [beliefs or action] in the religion, in imitation of the Sharee’ah (prescribed Law), by which nearness to Allaah is sought, [but] not being supported by any authentic proof – neither in its foundations, nor in the manner in which it is performed’.” [Al-I’tisaam of ash-Shaatibee, 1/37]

Imaam Ash-Shaafi’ee said:

“We affirm these attributes that the Qur’aan came with, and those that are mentioned in the sunnah; and we negate the idea of something resembling Him (tashbeeh) (1), since He negated this from Himself, saying: “There is nothing like unto Him.” [42:11]” [Siyar A’laamin Nubalaa’ 20/341]

Imaam Ahmad said:

“We believe that Allaah is above His Throne however He wishes and in whatever way He wishes, without any specific way or a description that a person can understand or describe. Knowledge of the Attributes of Allaah has come from Him, and they are established for Him (as His true Attributes). He is as He described Himself: “No vision can grasp Him.” [6:103]” [Dar’ut Ta’aarudul ‘Aql Wan Naql, by Ibn Taymiyyah,  2/30]

One of the Salaf said:

“Never leave a good deed because of its difficulty, for the difficulty will eventually go but the deed will remain forever. Never do a bad deed because of its pleasure/enjoyment, for the pleasure/enjoyment will eventually go but the deed will remain forever.” []

‘Alee Ibn Abee Taalib (ra) said:

“Verily knowledge is more precious than wealth. Knowledge  preserves you, while you preserve wealth. Knowledge judges while wealth is judged upon. The possessors of wealth have died, while the possessors of knowledge live on. Their (the scholars) bodies have passed away, but they are still present in the hearts of the people.” [Adab Al-Dunya Wa Al-Deen, p.48]

Maalik Bin Dinar said:

“The greatest punishment a slave (of Allah) can get is hardheartedness.” [Narrated by ‘Abdullah Bin Ahmad in Kitab Al-Zuhd]

Al-Haafidh Nu’aym Ibn Hammaad (d. 228) said:

“Whosoever claims that Allaah resembles His creation has disbelieved, and whosoever denies whatever Allaah described Himself with has also disbelieved. And there is no tashbeeh at all in what Allaah has described Himself with, nor in what His Messenger (saw) has described Him with.” [Al-’Uluww no. 217]

He also said:

“Whoever makes tashbeeh (resemblance) of Allaah to his creation has committed kufr (disbelief). And whoever denies what Allaah has described himself with has also committed kufr. Indeed, all that Allaah has described himself with, or what His Messenger has described Him with – then there is no tashbeeh in it at all.” [Ibid]

Ar-Rabee’ ibn Sulaymaan said:

“One day Ash-Shaafi’i narrated a hadith, and a man said to him, ‘Do you accept that, O’ Abu ‘Abd-Allah?‘ He said, ‘If I narrate a saheeh hadith from the Messenger of Allah and I do not accept it, then bear witness that I have lost my mind.’ ” [Ibn Battah in Al-Ibaanah]

Rabee’ah Ar-Ra’y (d. 136H) said:

“Istiwaa is not unknown, and its modality is not comprehendible. And from Allaah is the Message; upon the Messenger is to convey; and upon us is to affirm.” [Laalakaa’ee no. 665]

Muhaarib said:

“We accompanied Qaasim Ibn ‘Abdir Rahmaan and he became superior over us with long silence, generosity and abundant prayer.” [As-Samt, p. 618]

Masrooq narrated:

“There isn’t a time that we wake up or go to sleep and I feel remorse upon anything from the worldly life except for not making more sujood to Allaah.” [Ash-Shu’ab, p. 2909]

‘Ubaydullaah Ibn Sulaymaan Ibn Mu’aawiyah Ash-Shaamee reported:

“Our grandfather wore out two prayer rugs and began on a third, with the place of his knees, face and hands from the abundance of prayer that he offered.” [As-Siyar, 9/361]

Anas bin Malik said:

“When Abu Musa would sleep, he would wear a small over garment, fearing that his ‘awrah would be exposed.” [Siyar A’lam an-Nubala’, 2/399]

Ibn ‘Abbaas would not enter the bathroom except that he was alone, and would be wearing a thick outer garment, saying: ” am shy from Allah Seeing me in the bathroom without any clothing.” [Siyar A’lam an-Nubala’, 3/355]

Abu Al Aliyah said:

“I would travel for days to meet a man and the first thing I would notice about him is his prayer. If he would establish the prayer perfectly and on time, I would stay with him and hear the knowledge he had. If I found him to be careless concerning the prayer, I would leave him and say to myself that for things other than the prayer, he would be even more careless.”

It was narrated that Nooh al-Jaami’ said:

“I said to Abu Haneefah (may Allah have mercy on him), ‘What do you say about the philosophical issues that people have innovated?‘ He said, ‘That is just the words of philosophers. you should adhere to the way of the Salaf, and beware of every newly invented thing, for it is an innovation (bid’ah).” [Al-Khateeb in Al-Faqeeh wal-Mutafaqqih]

Imaam Ahmad said:

“If you see anyone speaking ill of the Companions of the Messenger of Allaah (saw), doubt his Islaam.” [Al-Laalikaa’ee in As-Sunnah, 2359]

Imaam Al-Barbahaaree (d. 329H) said in his Sharh As-Sunnah:

“If you see a man criticising the Companions of the Messenger of Allaah (saw), know that he is a person of wicked speech and desires, since the Messenger of Allaah said, ‘When my Companions are mentioned then withhold.‘ “[At-Tabaraanee from Ibn Mas’ood, and it is saheeh. See Silsilatul Ahaadeeth is Saheehah no. 34]

Mu’awiyah Bin Aws said:

“I saw Hisham bin ‘Ammar, and when he would walk in the street, he would look down to the ground, and he would never raise his head to the sky, out of shyness from Allah – the Mighty and Majestic.” [Siyar A’lam an-Nubala’, 11/430]

Abu Bakr bin Maymun came and knocked on the door of al-Humaydi, and assumed that he was given permission to enter. So, he entered, finding al-Humaydi with his thigh exposed. al-Humaydi began to cry, saying: “By Allah, you have just laid your eyes on something that nobody has seen since I have reached adulthood!”” [Siyar A’lam an-Nubala’, 19/122]

Muhammad bin Abi Hatim narrated:

“Some of my companions said to me: “We were at the house of Muhammad bin Salam, and Muhammad bin Isma’eel Al-Bukhari entered upon his upon his return from Iraq. So, he began to inform us of the tribulation that the people were being put through, as well as what had happened to Ahmad bin Hambal, etc. When al-Imam al-Bukhari exited the house, Muhammad bin Salam said to those present: “Have you ever seen a virgin with as much shyness as this man?” ” [Siyar A’lam an-Nubala’, 12/418]

‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar(r.a) said:

“By Allah, if I fasted all day without eating, prayed all night without sleeping, spent all of my wealth in the Path of Allah, died the day I died, but had no love in my heart for those who obey Allah, and no hatred in my heart for those who disobey Allah, none of this would benefit me in the least.” []

Imaam Maalik said:

“The Sunnah is like the ship of Nooh (Noah). Whoever rides in it will be saved and whoever hangs back and does not get on board will be drowned.” [Miftaah al-Jannah fil-I’tisaam bis-Sunnah by As-Suyooti]

Some of the Salaf said:

“If one does something in secret that he is shy from doing in public, this means that he means nothing to himself.” [Madarij As-Salikeen, 2/353]

Shams ad-Din al-Maqdisi said:

“If my leg becomes exposed while I am alone, I rush to cover it up while making istighfar.” [Al-Mukhtar Al-Masun Min A’lam Al-Qurun, 1/540]

‘Alee said:

“It is enough honour for knowledge that he who is not able leaves it and one becomes happy if he is labelled with it, and it is enough of a censure for ignorance that its people disassociate themselves from it.” [Madaarijus-Saalikeen, 1/470]

Imaam Malik said:

“If ‘ilm al-kalaam (philosophical rhetoric) were (beneficial) knowledge, the Sahaabah and Taabi’oon would have spoken of it just as they spoke of the rulings of Islam. But it is falsehood and points to falsehood.” [Al-Baghawi in Sharh as-Sunnah]

‘Ubayd Bin Ja’far said:

“I never saw my uncle Bishr Bin Masnur miss the first takbir, and whenever any person stood up in our mosque to ask people for help, my uncle gave him something.” [Sifat as Safwah 3/376]

Ibn Sama`ah said:

“For forty years, I only missed Takbir Tahrimah (initial takbeer) when my mother died.” [As Siyar 10/646]

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal said:

“The basic principles of Sunnah in our view are: adherence to the way of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah, following their example and forsaking bid’ah, for every bid’ah is a going astray.” [Al-Laalkaa’i in Sharh Usool Ahl as-Sunnah]

Imaam Maalik said:

“Truly I am only a mortal: I make mistakes (sometimes) and I am correct (sometimes). Therefore, look into my opinions: all that agrees with the Book and the Sunnah, accept it; and all that does not agree with the Book and the Sunnah, ignore it.” [Ibn ‘Abdul Barr in Jaami’ Bayaan al-’Ilm, 2/32]

Imaam Aboo Haneefah said:

“When I say something contradicting the Book of Allaah the Exalted or what is narrated from the Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam), then ignore my saying.” [Al-Fulaani in Eeqaaz Al-Himam, p. 50]

Imaam Ash-Shaafi’ee said:

“The Muslims are unanimously agreed that if a sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) is made clear to someone, it is not permitted for him to leave it for the saying of anyone else.” [I’laam , 2/361]

Imaam Ahmad said:

“Do not follow my opinion; neither follow the opinion of Maalik, nor Shaafi’i, nor Awzaa’i, nor Thawri, but take from where they took.” [Ibn al-Qayyim in I’laam, 2/302]

After Ar-Rabi’ Bin Khaytham became partially paralyzed, he used to go to the mosque helped by two men. He was told: “O Abu Yazid! You have been given permission to pray at home.” He said: “You have said the truth, but I heard the caller herald, ‘Hayya `ala al-Falah (Come to success)’, and I thought that whoever hears this call should answer it even by crawling.” [Hilyat Al-Awliya, 2/113]

Sufyan Bin ‘Uyaynah:

“Honoring the prayer includes coming before the Iqamah is recited.” [Sifat as Safwah 2/235]

Al-Hasan al-Basri said:

“If a man who met the early Salaf were to be brought back to life today, he would not recognize anything of Islam” – and he put his hand on his cheek, then said, “apart from this prayer – By Allah, anyone who lives in these strange times and did not meet the righteous salaf, and sees the innovator promoting his bid’ah and the one whose main concern is worldly gains calling others to join him; but Allah protects him from that and causes him to long for the righteous salaf, asking about their path and following their footsteps, and he follows their path, he will be compensated with a great reward. Be like that, in sha’ Allah.” [Al-Bia’h wan-Nahy ‘anha by Ibn Waddaah]

Ahmad Ibn ‘Abdullaah Al-’Ijlee said:

“Abdul Waleed (Hishaam Ibn ‘Abdul Maalik – d.227H) was a reliable and sound narrator of hadeeth in Basrah. He narrated from seventy women, and students used to travel to him after (the death of) Aboo Daawood At-Tayaaleesee.” [Siyaar A’laamun Nubulaa, vol. 10, Pp. 341-347]

‘Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood said:

“Whoever from amongst you wants to follow, then he should follow the Companions of the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- since their hearts were the most righteous in this Ummah, the deepest in knowledge, the most natural, the most correct in guidance and were in the best condition. The Companions were people whom Allaah chose to be with His Prophet and to establish His religion. So know their excellence and follow them in their footsteps, for indeed they were on the correct guidance.” [Jamia Bayaan al-Ilm wa Fadleehi, 2/97]

Yunus Bin ‘Abdullaah said:

“What is the matter with me? When I lose a chicken I feel concerned, but when I miss the prayer in congregation, it does not grieve me.” [Hilyat al Awliya, 3/19]

Al-Fudayl ibn ‘Iyaad said:

“Follow the path of guidance, and do not worry about how few are the people who follow it. Beware of the paths of misguidance, and do not be deceived by the large numbers of those who doomed.” [Al-I’tisaam by Imam Ash-Shaatibi]

Abu Bakr said:

“Let not any Muslim belittle another Muslim, for the lowest of the Muslims is great in the Sight of Allah.” [Ihya’ ‘Ulum ad-Din, 3/400]

‘Abdullaah Ibn ‘Umar said to a person who asked him about something and said, “Your father forbade that”:

“Is the command of the Messenger of Allah more deserving of being followed, or the command of my father?!” [Zaad al-Ma’ad by Ibn al-Qayyim]

Muhammad bin al-Husayn bin ‘Ali said:

“The heart of a person is never afflicted with the slightest bit of arrogance except that his intelligence and sanity is decreased because of that in accordance with how much of that arrogance has entered his heart.” [Ihya’ ‘Ulum ad-Din, 3/400]

Ibn ‘Umar once heard a man sneezing and saying, “Praise be to Allah and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah.” Ibn ‘Umar said to him:

“This is not what the Messenger of Allah taught us to do. Rather, he said, ‘When any one of you sneezes, let him praise Allah (by saying Al-Hamdu Lillaah).’ He did not say, ‘and send blessings upon the Messenger of Allah.’” [At-Tirmidhi in his Sunan with a hasan isnad]

‘Abdullaah Ibn Ja’far addressed his daughter saying:

“Avoid jealousy, as it is the key to your divorce – avoid complaint, as it instigates anger – adorn yourself for him, and make sure you wash away any bad odours by frequent bathing.” []

Regarding the hadeeth of the Prophet (saw) wherein he (saw) said, “The Ummah will divide into more than seventy sects, all of them will go into the hellfire except for one…” Imaam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal said, “If they are not the people of hadeeth, then I do not know who they are!” [Sharaf As-haabil Hadeeth, 1/7]

Imaam Ash-Shaafi’ee said:

“If I were to see a man from the people  of hadeeth, it would be as if I has seen the Prophet (saw) living.” [Sharaf As-haabil Hadeeth, 1/31]

Shaykh ‘Abdul-Qaadir Al-Jeelaanee said:

“As for the saved sect it is Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah, and there is no name for Ahlu Sunnah except one, and that is the people of hadeeth.” [Al-Ghunyatut Taalibeen, p. 212]

Ibn ‘Abbaas said to a person who opposed the Sunnah by quoting the words of Abu Bakr and ‘Umar:

“Soon stones from heaven will be sent down upon you (as a punishment). I say to you, ‘The Messenger of Allah said,’ and you say, ‘Abu Bakr and ‘umar said?!’.” [‘Abd ar-Razzaaq in Al-Musannaf with a saheeh isnad]

Imaam al-Bukhari was asked: “What is it that strengthens one’s memory?“ He replied: “Constantly looking through books.“ [Jami’ Bayan al-‘Ilm wa Fadlih]

Abu ‘Amr bin al-’Ala’ said:

“I never entered upon a man or passed by his door – seeing him with a book in his hand, and his companion doing nothing – except that I judged him to be the more intelligent one.“ [Jami’ Bayan al-‘Ilm wa Fadlih]

‘Abdullah bin ‘Abd al-’Aziz bin ‘Umar bin ‘Abd al-’Aziz said:

“I never saw a better admonisher than the grave, or anything more satisfying than a book, or anything safer than lack of socialization.“ [Jami’ Bayan al-‘Ilm wa Fadlih]

al-Hasan al-Lu’lu’i said:

“Forty years of my life have passed in which I never awoke or went to sleep except that a book was resting on my chest.“[Jami’ Bayan al-‘Ilm wa Fadlih]

Muhammad Bbn Waasi’ said:

“If sins had an odour then nobody would be able to sit with me.” [The Evil of Craving for Wealth and Status – Imaam ibn Rajab al-Hanbalee]

Hammad Bin Salamah said:

“I have never stood up for prayer without imagining that Jahannam is before my eyes.” [Tadhkirat Al-Huffadh, 1/219]

‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab said:

“I have never seen any stranger than a man who does not seek richness through marriage, even though Allaah has promised, as a result of it (i.e., marriage) what He has promised: “…if they are poor, Allaah will enrich them out of His Bounty.“[24:32].“

‘Alee Ibn Al-Madini said:

“There are no people better than the companions of Hadeeth. The rest of the people were in search of the Duniya while they were establishing the Deen.” [Masalat al-‘Uloo wal Nazool, p.45]

Ibn ‘Abbaas described Ahl as-Sunnah in the following terms:

“You will always see a man of Ahl as-Sunnah calling people to the Sunnah and forbidding bid’ah.” [Al-Laalkaa’i in Sharh Usool I’tiqaad Ahl as-Sunnah]

Bakr al Muzani said:

“If you want your prayer to be of benefit to you, say to yourself, ‘I might not have a chance to perform another prayer.’”[Jaami’ Al-‘Uloom Wal-Hikam, p.466]

Al-Fudayl Ibn ‘Iyaad (d. 187H) said:

“I met the best of people, all of them people of the sunnah and they used to forbid from accompanying the people of Innovation.” [Al-Laalikaa’ee, 267]

Al-Hasan Al-Basree (d. 110H) said:

“Do not sit with the people of innovation and desires, nor argue with them, nor listen to them.” [Ad-Daarimee, in his Sunan, 121]

Ibraheem Ibn Maysarah (d. 132H) said:

“Whoever honours an innovator has aided in the destruction of Islaam.” [Al-Laalikaa’ee, 1/139]

Sufyaan Ath-Thawree (d. 161H) said:

“Whoever listens to an innovator has left the protection of Allaah and is entrusted with the innovations.” [Aboo Nu’aym in his Al-Hilyah, 7/26]

Imaam Maalik (d. 179H) said:

“How evil are the people of innovation, we do not give them salaam.” [Sharh As-Sunnah, 1/234]

Al-Fudayl Ibn ‘Iyaad (d. 187H) said:

“Whoever sits with a person if innovation, then beware of him and whoever sits with a person of innovation has not ben given wisdom. I (would) love that there was a fort of iron between me and a person of innovation. That I eat with a Jew and a Christian is more beloved to me than that I should eat with a person of Innovation.” [Al-Laalikaa’ee, 1149]

Imaam Ash-Shafi’ee said:

“If I see a companion of Hadeeth then it is as if I see a man from the Companions of the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- he is of that status.” [Masalat al-‘Uloo wal Nazool, p.45]

Some of the people said to Ahmad bin Hanbal: “I find it difficult to say about a person that he has such and such problem, and so and so is like such and such.” Imam Ahmad said: “If you remain silent and I remain silent when will an ignorant person know the authentic from the unauthentic?!” [Majmoo Fatawa, 28/231]

Maymun Bin Hayyan said:

“I never saw Muslim bin Yasar turning his head while praying, whether the prayer was short or long. Once, a part of the mosque came down and the noise caused fear to the people who were in the market, while he was in the mosque, did not fear nor even turn his head and kept praying.” [Az-Zuhd by Imam Ahmad p.359]

Sufyaan Ath-Thawri said:

“If you hear that a man in the east is a follower of the Sunnah, then send salaams to him, for Ahl as-Sunnah are becoming very few.” [Al-Laalkaa’i in Sharh Usool I’tiqaad Ahl as-Sunnah]

‘Abdullah bin Ahmad bin Hambal said:

“My father went out to Tarsus on foot, and he performed two or three Hajjs on foot, and he was the most patient of people upon being alone.” [Tarjamat Al-Imam Ahmad, p. 18]

‘Ali Ibn Abee Taalib said:

“The likeness of this worldly life (dunyâ) is that of a snake: soft to the touch, it will kill you with its poison. So turn away from what impresses you of it, since what stays with you is so little. And do not be concerned about it, since you are certain about its parting. And be most happy in it when you are most heedful of it; for every time its companion takes solace in one of its delights, it gives way to one of its woes.” [Ibn Abî Al-Dunyâ, Kitâb Al-Zuhd article 164]

Ayyoob as-Sakhtiyaani said:

“Whenever I am told of the death of a man among Ahl as-Sunnah, it is as if I have lost one of my limbs.” [Al-Laalkaa’i in Sharh Usool I’tiqaad Ahl as-Sunnah]

Ibn Abee Ghassaan said:

“So long as you are seeking knowledge, you are knowledgeable, but as soon as you abandon this pursuit, you become ignorant.” []

Imaam Maalik said:

“No one who has knowledge should stop seeking knowledge.“ []

Ibn Al-Mubaarak was asked, “How long will you seek knowledge?“ So he replied, “Until I die, for probably I have not yet learnt the things that will benefit me most.“ []

Aboo ‘Amr Ibn Al-’Alaa’ was asked, “For how long does it befit a man to seek knowledge?“ He replied, “For as long as he has life in him.“ []

Sufyaan Ath-Thawree was asked, “Who is the most in need of seeking knowledge?“ He replied, “Those who have the most knowledge.“ He was then asked, “Why?“ So he replied, “Because if they make a mistake, it is worse.“ []

Hatim Bin Al-A’sim said:

“If a respectable good man sits with you, you would be watching every word you utter so that you do not say something wrong. Yet, you know that your words are watched by Allah but you still do not watch the words you utter!” [Aldaa Wa Al Dawaa, by Ibn Al-Qayyim]

Al-Haafidh Nu’aym Ibn Hammaad (d. 228) said:

“Whosoever claims that Allaah resembles His creation has disbelieved, and whosoever denies whatever Allaah described Himself with has also disbelieved. And there is no tashbeeh at all in what Allaah has described Himself with, nor in what His Messenger (saw) has described Him with.” [Al-’Uluww, #217]

Ibraheem An-Nakha’i said:

“If the Companions of Muhammad had wiped over a fingernail (in wudoo’), I would never have washed it, seeking virtue in following them.” [Abu Dawood in his Sunan]

Aboo Tharr (ra) said, “Indeed the Messenger of Allaah (saw) passed away, and there is not a bird flapping its wings in the sky, except that he mentioned to us something about it.” [Ahmad 5/153, among others, and its chain is authentic]

Salmaan Al-Farisee (ra) narrated that it was said to him, “Your Prophet has taught you everything, even how you relieve yourselves?”

So he said to them, “Yes indeed! And he has prohibited us from facing the qibla whilst relieving ourselves…” [Muslim 1/152, and Ahmad 8]

Imaam Aboo Haneefah said:

“It is not to be said that His Hand is His Power, nor His Bounty; because that is a nullification of the Attribute, and it is the statement of the people of qadar and I’tizaal.” [Al-Fiqh Al-Absat, p. 302]

Imaam Aboo Haneefah said:

“It is detested that he (the supplicator) says, ‘By the Right of Your creation’.” [Sharh Al-Fiqh Al-Akbar, p. 198]

Imaam Aboo Haneefah said:

It is detested (hated) for the supplicator to say, ‘I ask You by the right of so and so,’ or, ‘By the right of Your Prophets and Messengers,’ or, ‘By the right of the Sacred (Holy) House and the Sacred Sanctuary.’ [Sharhul ‘Aqeedatit Tahaawiyyah, p. 234]

Imaam Ahmad said:

“Whoever says that Allaah, The Mighty and Majestic, will not be seen in the hereafter then he has disbelieved. Upon him is the curse of Allaah and His anger – whomever he may be from among the people.” [Quoted in Ash-Sharee’ah p. 254]

Imaam Ahmad said:

“Whosoever reviles the Companions of the Prophet, then we do not believe he is safe from having rejected the Religion‘.” [Sunnah lil-Khilaal, 3/493]

Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal was asked concerning a Rafidi neighbor who greats him, should he answer his Salam? He replied “No”. [Sunnah lil-Khilaal, 3/493]

Imaam Bukhaaree said:

“And they (Imaam Bukhaaree’s Companions and Shaykhs) used to forbid innovations: whatever the Messenger (saw) and his Companions (ra) were not upon due to His saying: ‘And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allaah (i.e, this Quraan), and be not divided among yourselves.’ [3:103] And His saying: ‘And if you obey him, you shall be on the right guidance.‘ [24:54]“ [Quoted in Al-Laalikaa’ee’s Sharh Usool I’tiqaad Ahlu Sunnah, 2/172]

Sufyaan Ath-Thawree said:

“We do not know of anything better than seeking knowledge with (a sincere) intention (for the sake of Allaah).” [Siyar, 7/244]

Abdullah Ibn Al-Mubaarak said:

“I see every life as unhappy and miserable, except for planting the spear in the shade of the horse, and standing in the dark nights, vigilant, guarding the people in the furthest outpost.” [Qadi ‘Iyad’s Tartib al-Madarik]

‘Abdullaah Ibn Al-Mubaarak said:

“Know that death nowadays is an honour for every Muslim who meets Allah adhering to the Sunnah. Verily, to Allah we belong and unto Him is our return. It is to Allah that we complain of our Alienation, the passing away of our brothers, the lack of support and the emergence of bid’ah. it is to Allah that we complain of the great calamity that has befallen this ummah because of the passing away of the scholars and Ahl as-Sunnah, and the emergence of bid’ah.” [Al-Bia’h wan-Nahy ‘anha by Ibn Waddaah]

‘Abd Al-Rahman Bin Mahdi once said:

“I dislike people to disobey Allah otherwise I would have wished everyone in this world to backbite me. There is no equal joy to find in your scale in the judgment day a deed you did not know about or even did.” [Aldaa Wa Al Dawaa, by Ibn Al-Qayyim]

‘Ali Ibn Abee Taalib said:

“The thing I fear for you most is following desires and having extensive hopes (about this worldly life). Following one’s desires blocks you from the truth, and having extensive hopes makes you forget the hereafter. Verily, this worldly life is departing and the hereafter is approaching and each of them has its children. So be children of the hereafter, not children of this world, for today there are (opportunities to do) deeds and there is no reckoning, but tomorrow there will be reckoning and no deeds.” [Aboo Nu’aym, Hilyah Al-Awliyaa’, 1/40]

‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab said:

“Do not allow a ruing that you made in the past, to prevent you from reconsidering it and being guided to your senses concerning it. Indeed reverting back to the truth is better than continuing in something false and wrong.” [Ad-Daaraqutnee, 4/207]

Abu Umamah Al-Baheli once said:

“In judgment day, the slave of Allah will be given his book of deeds, where he finds rewards for things he did not do, so he asks: O My lord, where did I get these deeds? So Allah replies to him saying:” these are because of the people who backbited you and you did not know about it.” [Aldaa Wa Al dawaa, by Ibn Al-Qayyim]