What are examples of early scholars who respected knowledge and its sources?

The scholars are the inheritors of the prophets, bearing the Sharia (definition) and teaching people matters of their religion. They defend the religion of Allah, combat innovation, and judge between people with justice. Everything seeks forgiveness for them.

Allah Almighty has specifically favored the scholars of this Ummah with additional merit. Foremost among the people of knowledge are the Companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him), followed by the Tabi'un and their scholars. Among the greatest scholars of this Ummah are the Four Imams, the founders of the followed schools of thought: Abu Hanifa, Malik, Al-Shafi'i, and Ahmad ibn Hanbal, may Allah have mercy on them. They all united in seeking knowledge, disseminating it, teaching it to people, exalting its status, and honoring its people. Imam Malik would not narrate Hadith (definition) except in a state of ritual purity, out of reverence for the Hadith of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). Abu Yusuf Al-Qadi said upon his death, "Everything I have given a fatwa (definition) on, I have retracted, except what conforms to the Book and the Sunnah (definition)." Abu Ubayd al-Qasim ibn Sallam refused to take his knowledge to the Amir in his home, out of reverence for knowledge, and instead brought knowledge to its people, out of reverence for them. Abu Sulayman al-Darani said, "Sometimes a subtle point from the people's subtle points may occur to my heart for days, but I do not accept it unless it has two just witnesses: the Book and the Sunnah." Imam Al-Shafi'i once narrated an authentic Hadith, and when asked, "Do you say it, O Abu Abdullah?" he was disturbed and said, "Do I narrate a Hadith from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and not say it?!"