Abu Dawud al-Sijistani (d.275) said:
"May Allah have mercy upon Malik, for he was an Imam. May Allah have mercy upon al-Shafi'i, for he was an Imam. May Allah have mercy upon Abu Hanifah, for he was an Imam."
__________________ The example of those who take allies other than Allah is like that of the spider who takes a home. And indeed, the weakest of homes is the home of the spider, if they only knew. Indeed, Allah knows whatever thing they call upon other than Him. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. And these examples We present to the people, but none will understand them except those of knowledge.
[al-'Ankaboot; 41-44]