Shaykhul Islaam Ahmad ibn Taymeeyah 728AH (May Allah have mercy on him) said,

” فإنما ظهرت البدع والفتن لما خفيت آثار الصحابة فإنهم خير قرون هذه الأمة و أفضلها رضي الله عنهم و أرضاهم ” .

جامع المسائل ٥/١٥٨

“Indeed, innovations and trials/tests only occur when the narrations of the companions are rarely mentioned. For verily they were the best and most virtuous generation of this nation, may Allah be pleased with them and they be pleased with Him.”

Jaami’ al-Masaail 5/158