Imam Yusuf Ibn `Abd al-Barr al-Andalusi رحمه الله said that Imam Malik was the first who compiled a book formed exclusively of sound narrations.
Qadi Abu Bakr رحمه الله said:
“The Muwatta’ of Imam Malik رحمه الله is the first foundation and the core, while Imam al-Bukhari’s book is the second foundation in this respect. Upon these two all the rest have built, such as the Sahih of Imam Muslim رحمه الله and the Jami’ of Imam at-Tirmidhi رحمه الله .”
– Originally posted by Ustadh Luqman al-Andalusi