The Muhadditheen explain that from all the ustaads whom Imaam Muslim (rahimahullah) had benefited from, it was Imaam Bukhaari (rahimahullah) who had played a significant role in molding him into the great Imaam that he became. Hence, the illustrious Muhaddith, Imaam Daaraqutni (rahimahullah), says, “If it was not for Imaam Bukhaari (rahimahullah), Imaam Muslim would have not treaded the path of Hadith.” (Sharh-u-Sharh-i-Nuhkbatil Fikar pg. 280)

Imaam Khateeb Baghdaadi (rahimahullah) mentions, “Imaam Muslim (rahimahullah) followed the way of Imaam Bukhaari (rahimahullah), studied his works and emulated his example. When Imaam Bukhaari (rahimahullah) came to Naisapur towards the end of his life, Imaam Muslim (rahimahullah) remained devoted to him and would frequently visit him to benefit from him.” (Taareekh Baghdaad 15/121)

Haafiz Ibnul Hajar Asqalaani (rahimahullah) mentions, “Imaam Muslim (rahimahullah) would learn from Imaam Bukhaari (rahimahullah), and he bore testimony that among the Muhadditheen of his era, Imaam Bukhaari (rahimahullah) was unsurpassed and unparalleled in the science of Hadith.” (Nukat Alaa-Kitaab Ibnis-Salaah 1/286)

Regarding the high level of adab (respect and etiquette) and humility which Imaam Muslim (rahimahullah) displayed before Imaam Bukhaari (rahimahullah), Muhammed bin Ya’qoob (rahimahullah) says that he heard his father mention the following, “I once saw Imaam Muslim (rahimahullah) seated before Imaam Bukhaari (rahimahullah). Imaam Muslim (rahimahullah) was posing his questions to Imaam Bukhaari (rahimahullah) with such respect and humility that he was like a child seated before his Ustaad.” (Taareekh Baghdaad 2/340)

Imaam Muslim (rahimahullah) always regarded himself indebted to Imaam Bukhaari (rahimahullah) for the great benefit he received from him. Muhammed bin Hamdoon bin Rustam (rahimahullah) mentions, “On one occasion, I was present when Imaam Muslim (rahimahullah) came to Imaam Bukhaari (rahimahullah). Imaam Muslim (rahimahullah) addressed him saying, “Allow me to kiss your feet! You are the Ustaad of all Ustaads, the leader of all the Muhadditheen and the expert physician in detecting the subtle weaknesses found in the narrations!” (Siyar A’laamin Nubalaa 12/432)