[The Merit of the People of Hadith over the Ummah]

These are the people through whose transmission the Sacred Law has been preserved and by whom the foundations of the sunnah have been safeguarded. Therefore, the entire Ummah owes them gratitude and should pray that Allah forgive them. They are the bearers of His knowledge, the transmitters of His religion, His emissaries between Him and His Ummah, and those entrusted by Him with conveying the Revelation. They are thus most worthy of being closest to him, both during his life and after his death.

Every group within the Ummah turns to them to determine which reports are sound and which are unsound, and relies upon them regarding matters concerning him that are disputed.

[The People of Hadith’s Affiliation with the Messenger of Allah, Peace and Blessings Be upon Him]

Everyone who adopts a doctrine is ascribed to the originator of the statement he introduced, and relies upon his opinion—except for the People of Hadith. The originator of their doctrine is the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him. They are affiliated with him; they rely upon his knowledge, cite him as evidence, turn to him for guidance, follow his judgment, and take pride in this. By virtue of their closeness to him, they confront the enemies of his sunnah. Who can match them in the nobility of their affiliation, or rival them in the field of honor, lofty renown, and distinction?

[Why They Are Called the People of Hadith]

Their name is derived from meanings found in the Book and the sunnah, encompassing both of them, because they embody them or are distinguished by their acquisition of them. Thus, in their affiliation with hadith, they stand between