Whoever from amongst you seeks to take an example, then let him take the example of those who have died. Indeed those who are living are not immune from fitna. Those were the companions of Muhammad (may Allaah grant him peace); they were those from this nation that possessed the purest hearts, the greatest level knowledge and they were the least excessive. They are the people whom Allaah specifically chose to be companions of His prophet (may Allaah grant him peace) and those who would establish His religion. So recognise their rights and cling to their guidance for indeed they were upon the guidance of the straight path”

[Majmu Fatawa 4/137 of Ibn Taymiyyah]