Hazrat ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ood (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) mentioned that Allah Ta‘ala looked at the hearts of all His servants and chose Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) (on account of his heart being the best and purest of hearts). Allah Ta‘ala then sent him with His Divine message (to this ummah) and endowed him with His special knowledge. After choosing him, Allah Ta‘ala again looked at the hearts of his servants and selected companions for him. Allah Ta‘ala made them assistants in propagating His Deen and deputies of His Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Therefore, whatever the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) regard as good, is good in the sight of Allah Ta‘ala, and whatever they regard as unacceptable, is unacceptable in the sight of Allah Ta‘ala. (The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) are the gauge and criteria for this ummah in determining good and evil). (Hilyatul Awliyaa 1/375, Musnad Abu Dawood Tayaalisi # 243)

Hazrat ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports, “Whoever wishes to follow a people, then he should follow those who have passed on. These were the companions of Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), who were the best of this ummah. Their hearts were most pure, their knowledge was the deepest and they were most humble, without any formalities in them. They were people whom Allah Ta‘ala had chosen for the companionship of His Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and for the propagation of His Deen. You should emulate them in their character and ways. By the qasam of the Rabb of the Ka’bah! The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) were on the straight path.” (Hilyatul Awliyaa 1/305)

From the abovementioned verse of the Qur’aan Majeed and the Mubaarak Ahaadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), we understand that without this Ummah holding firmly to the ways of the Khulafaa-e-Raashideen and the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) and emulating them in all works of life, they will never attain salvation and success.