A sign of Ahlus Sunnah

Aboo 'Uthmaan as-Saaboonee (d.449H) (rahimahUllaah ta'Alaa) said, 

"And one of the distinguishing signs of Ahlus Sunnah is their love for the Imaams of the Sunanah, its Scholars, its helpers, and its close allies, and their hatred for the leaders of innovation who call to the Hell-Fire and who direct their associates and companions to the home of torment and destruction. Allaah, the Sublime, has adorned the hearts of Ahlus Sunnah and the light of their hearts with love for the Scholars of the Sunnah, as a bounty from Him, Whose Magnificence is perfect and sublime." 

[Aqeedatus-Salaf wa Ashaabul-Hadeeth]