On the authority of Aboo Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him, from the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam, that he said, Al-Islaam started strange, and will again return strange as it started, so Toobaa is for the Strange ones. In another narration, it was said, Oh messenger of Allaah, who are the Strange ones? He said, Those who rectify when the people have corrupted," and in another wording, Those who rectify what the people have corrupted from my sunnah.

SEEKING 'ILM UPON IKHLAAS

AND THE WAY OF THE SALAF

It is reported that there was a young man who was from the people of knowledge who used to put himself forward, speak and behave haughtily with his knowledge in front of those older than him. This angered Sufyân [Al-Thawrî] and he said, The Salaf were never like this; they never used to claim leadership, or sit at the head of the gathering until they had sought this knowledge for thirty years, and you act haughty in front of those who are older than you. Get up, I never want to see you even come close to my circle. Al-Bayhaqî, Al-Madkhal ilâ Al-Sunan Al-Kubrâ 2:74, sayings of the salaf