Imaam Al-Awzaa’ee (rahimahullaah) said:

”It is obligated on you is to follow the narrations of those who have preceeded [i.e. the pious predecessors] even if the people reject you. And beware of the opinions of men even if they beautify it with their speech”. [Reported by Imaam Dhahabee in Al-Uluww: page:138]