In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Al-Hakim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, may Allah have mercy upon him, excelled in interpreting this report that Ahlul Hadith ‘the adherents to the hadith in belief, acts of worship and sound methodology’ are the Ta’ifah Al-Mansurah ‘The Victorious Group’ from whom being forsaken (by Allah) is removed until the Day of Judgment. Who could be more deserving of this interpretation (being applied to them) than a people who follow the path of the righteous, adhere to the footsteps of the Salaf ‘first three generations of Pious’ predecessors, subdue Ahlul Bidah ‘the followers or proponents of innovated beliefs, acts of worship or methodologies in the religion’ and opponents of the Sunan of Allah’s  Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him and his family.

Marifah Ulum Al-Hadith page 2