Shaykh al-Islam Mawlana Husayn Ahmad Madani (may Allah shower His mercy upon him) related: 

‘‘Shah Wali Allah (may Allah shower His mercy upon him) has written in Fuyud al-Haramayn, ‘I have witnessed that there is only one spiritual link between the Noble Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and those who are occupied with hadith.’ Therefore, he has advised (and stressed) that one should remain occupied with hadith, either by way of teaching, studying, writing or by other means. This should remain one’s continuous practice, and one should be mindful of following the pious predecessors in this occupation and maintaining respect for them. Study the commentaries and annotations [of hadith]. Be diligent in following the sunnah in every word and deed.’’ 

Shaykh al-‘Arab wa ‘l-‘Ajam Hadrat Mawlana Sayyid Husayn Ahmad Madani ki Iman Afroz Batein, p.149-150 (Karachi: Majlis-e-Yadgar-e-Shaykh al-Islam, 1413/1993 ed.) by Mawlana Abu ‘l-Hasan Barabankwi