The Creed of the Pious Predecessors, The People of Hadeeth

Deviations from the Straight Path did not appear in the Ummah until the people left Revelation of Allaah and the methodology, clearly expounded by our pious predecessors, replacing it for man-made ideologies. This sometimes consisted of Greek Philosophy as well as the ignorant deviation's of man's intellect. This changed the religion of Allaah, to such an extant that the Ummaah splintered into groups, each of these developing its own methodology, way, leaders and followers.
In every period of weakness and deviation Allaah has raised scholars who correct and, thus preserve the creed of Ahlus-Sunnaah wal-Jamaa'ah. They safeguard it and refute those who oppose it. This is so, even today and shall be until the Day of Judgement, insha'Allah. A great number of scholars of Ahlus-Sunnaah have authored many books, clarifying the correct creed, which is obligatory for every Muslim to believe. One such book is the one in the reader's hand, entitled Aqeedatus-Salaaf As'haabul-Hadeeth, by Sheikhul Islam Aboo Uthmaan Ismaa'eel ibn Abdurrahmaan As-Saaboonee. He mentioned the importance of returning to the creed which the scholars of the Ummaah were united upon.
The People of Hadeeth.