The Blessed Companions of Our Beloved Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم
"Allah is well- pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him" (Quran 9:100)
It was narrated that Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "Whoever wants to follow an example, let them follow the example of those who have passed away, for those who are living are not safe from fitnah (temptation). They are the sahabah (companions) of Muhammad (PBUH). They are the best of this ummah, the purest in heart, the deepest in knowledge, and the farthest from false display of piety. They are the people who Allah chose to be the companions of his prophet and to convey his religion. So acknowledge their superiority and imitate their way and behavior, for they were following the straight path." (Ibn `Abdul-Bar, Jami` Bayan Al-`Ilm wa Fadlihi)
Imam Tabaranee has reported from Aa'isha (radhi allahu anha) that Prophet said, “Do not slandermy companions. May the La'nah of Allah be upon him, who slanders my companions.” (Saheeh Jami'a as-Sagheer)
Imam At-Tahawi explains the Aqeedah of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jam'aah: “We love the Companions of the Prophet (Peace be upon him). Nonetheless we do not go to extremes in the love of anyone of them, nor do we forsake anyone of them. But we hate him who hates them, and talks of them in an unseemly manner. As for us, we do not mention them but in good terms. Their love is religion, faith, and excellence. And their hatred is disbelief, hypocrisy and rebellion” (Aqeedah Al-Tahawiyah)
Imam Ahmad is also reported to have said "If you see someone mentioning the sahaabas with foul language, then you should reconsider your opinion about him being a Muslim" (Saarim al-Maslool)
From Abu Bakr al Marwazee: "I asked Abu Abdullah (Imam Ahmad) about (someone who) abused Abu Bakr, Umar, 'Aaisha?. He replied: "I don't see him upon islam". (Abu Bakr Al-Khallal "Sunnan" 2/557, with an authentic chain)
From Muhammad ibn Yusuf al Firyabee: "I heard a man asked Sufyan (al- Thawree) about (a person who ) abused Abu Bakr and Umar. He replied: "(He is a ) Disbeliever in the Great/Majestic Allah". (Zahabi "Siyar alamoon nubala" 7/253)