Al-Matalib al-'Aliyah 4196 — The virtue of the Companions who settled

It is narrated from Abu al-Dahhak (may Allah have mercy on him) that he said: I came to Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) and asked him about some matter of knowledge. He asked: "Which region are you from?" I said: "I am from the people of Syria (al-Sham)." He asked again: "From which city of Syria?" I said: "From Hims." He said (in surprise): "Have you come here from Hims seeking knowledge?" I said: "What could prevent me from seeking knowledge from a person of such great standing as you, when you are a (distinguished) Companion of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him)?" He said: "Then I will tell you that those great people who first set out (for migration and jihad), who followed in the footsteps of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), went on until they settled in the land of Syria; then, in particular, this army group of yours (settled there). So look and reflect upon the way and practice they were upon, for that is the (true) Sunnah."
This report is mentioned in Musnad al-Harith (Bughyat al-Bahith 'an Zawa'id Musnad al-Harith). The narrator in its chain, Abu al-Dahhak, although he narrated few hadith, is counted among the senior Successors, and this statement highlights the importance of following the methodology and the Sunnah of the noble Companions.