Sayyadina Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood radhiallahu anhu said:

“Whoever wants to follow an example, let him follow the example of those who have passed away, the Companions of Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wa sallam. They were the best of this ummah, the purest in heart, the deepest in knowledge, the least in formality.

They were people whom Allah chose to be the Companions of His Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam and to convey His religion, so imitate their ways and behaviour, for they were following the Straight Path.”

[Al-Baghawi in Sharh as-Sunnah]