The individual's obligation to follow the people of the Sunnah and the community in creed

Question:
What is the ruling on following the methodology of the Salaf (the earliest generations) in creed, worship, and calling people to Allah? Is it a recommended practice (sunnah) or is it obligatory?

Answer:
It is obligatory for the individual to follow the people of the Sunnah and the community in creed, in action, and in all matters of religion and worldly affairs. This is obligatory upon the Muslim. Allah (Mighty and Majestic) said: "And the foremost in the first rank of the Muhajireen and the Ansar, and those who followed them with excellence—Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him." Following them is obligatory upon the Muslim. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "This Ummah (the Muslim community) will split into seventy-three sects, all of them in the Fire except one." They asked, "Who are they, O Messenger of Allah?" He said: "Those who are upon what I am upon today and my Companions." This is what the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) advised.