Shaikh al-Allaamah Ehsaan Ilaahee Zaheer said
What is the truth
The truth is only what the Quraan says and the speech of the Messenger of Allaah (Sallalahu Alayhee wasallam). Allaah has ordered us to follow the truth, so the Ahlul Hadeeth only follow the truth and they are not muqallids (blind followers) of statements or opinions. The Ahlul Hadeeth are not a new group or sect as the definition or what defines a sect is that they have a specific or a particular issue (like the shee’ah, the khawaarij etc) or they align themselves to a particular or specific individual.
Whereas the Ahlul Hadeeth are not aligned and nor do they have any allegiance to a particular individual. Their issues pertaining to the religion are the same that are evident in the Quraan and Sunnah and these are generally for everyone to act upon.
The Ahlul Hadeeth only accept and follow the statement of the Messenger of Allaah (Sallalahu Alayhee wasallam) and he is the Imaam of all the world. Allaah the most high said,
And We have not sent you except comprehensively to mankind as a bringer of good tidings and a warner. But most of the people do not know.” (Soorah Saba 34:28)
The deen has been completed and the deen the companions followed was also complete. If we for example were to accept the present day innovations and novelties as part of our deen then it necessitates the companions, and we seek refuge in Allaah from this, never accepted and acted upon the complete deen. Whereas Allaah the most high said,
“Allah is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him.” (Soorah at-Taubah 9:100)
So it is evident the companions achieved this virtue because they followed Islaam as it should have been followed according to the verse
“This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” (Sooral al-Ma’idah 5:3)
So Allaah was pleased with them because they accepted the favoured religion with Allaah, which was only the Quraan and the saying of Muhammad (Sallalahu Alayhee wasallam).
So I ask the Muqallideen (Those who do Taqleed of an Imaam) a question, tell us who did Abu Bakr (RadhiAllaahu Anhu) do taqleed of? Or who did Alee (RadhiAllaahu Anhu) do Taqleed of? So if they did not do Taqleed of anyone how can Taqleed of anyone be compulsory for us in our time. I challenge any of the Muqallideen of this earth to show us any issue the Ahlul Hadeeth act upon which is not established from the Quraan or Sunnah. If you are not able to then we will show ypu numerous issues the Muqallideen act upon which contradict the Quraan and Hadeeth.” (Jaam’e Masjid Karachee 19th May 1981)
Ahlul hadeeth - The Way Of The Salaf 