Perhaps this profound acceptance was on account of the great respect and honor which he showed to the blessed Ahaadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).
Imaam Bukhaari (rahimahullah) mentioned, “I did not write any Hadith in my kitaab without first making ghusl and thereafter performing two rakaats of salaah.”
Imaam Bukhaari (rahimahullah) also mentioned, “I commenced writing my kitaab in Musjid-ul-Haraam. Before including any Hadith in my kitaab, I would first make du‘aa to Allah Ta‘ala, begging for goodness and guidance. I would thereafter perform two rakaats of salaah. Only after this, if I felt that the Hadith was authentic, would I include it in my kitaab.”
Glad Tidings for Imaam Bukhaari (rahimahullah)
Muhammed bin Abi Haatim (rahimahullah) mentions, “I once had a dream in which I saw Imaam Bukhaari (rahimahullah) walking behind Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Imaam Bukhaari (rahimahullah) was following Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) in such a manner that he placed his feet on every footstep of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).” (This was an indication of Imaam Bukhaari’s (rahimahullah) complete adherence to the Mubaarak Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) throughout his life)
The student of Imaam Bukhaari (rahimahullah), Allaamah Firabree (rahimahullah), mentions, “I had once seen Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) in my dream. He asked me, ‘Where are you going?’ I replied, ‘I am going to Muhammed bin Ismaa’eel Bukhaari (rahimahullah).’ When I mentioned this to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), he said to me, ‘When you go to Imaam Bukhaari (rahimahullah), then convey my salaam to him.’”
(Hadyus Saari pg. 7, 347, 489 and 491) A