Imaam Aboo Uthmaan as-Saaboonee (d.449H) (rahimahullaah) said:
And one of the distinguishing signs of Ahlus-Sunnah is their love for the Imaams of the Sunnah, its Scholars, its helpers, and its close allies, and their hatred for the leaders of innovation who call to the Hell-Fire and who direct their associates and companions to the home of torment destruction. Allaah, the Sublime, has adorned the hearts of Ahlus-Sunnah, and the light of their hearts with love for the Scholars of the Sunnah, as a bounty from Him, Whose Magnificence is perfect and Sublime.
References
A translation of Aqeedatus-Salaf wa Ashaabul-Hadeeh of Aboo
‘Uthmaan as-Saaboonee (rahimahullaah)
http://maktabah.tumblr.com/post/16322994796/love-of-the-scholars
