Recognition of Abu Dawood’s Eminence in Hadith Scholarship:

Imam al-Hakim: Imam al-Hakim said: “Abu Dawood was the undisputed leader of Ahl al-Hadith of his time.” [Al-Siyar 13/212]

‘Allan ibn ‘Abd al-Samad: ‘Allan ibn ‘Abd al-Samad opined: “He was a champion in the field of Hadith.” [Al-Siyar 13/212]

Hafiz Muhammad ibn Ishaq al-Saghani and Ibrahim al-Harbi: Hafiz Muhammad ibn Ishaq al-Saghani and Ibrahim al-Harbi expressed his mastery in Hadith in these words: “Hadith was made as soft and easy for Abu Dawood as iron was made soft for Dawood (peace be upon him).” [Al-Siyar 13/212–213, Tahdhib al-Tahdhib 4/172]

Musa ibn Harun: Musa ibn Harun said: “Abu Dawood was created for the service of Hadith in this world and to reside in Paradise in the Hereafter.” [Al-Siyar 13/212]

He also said: “I have never seen a person better than Abu Dawood.” [Al-Siyar 13/213]