Abu al-Faraj ibn al-Jawzi: Trustworthy, excellent, abundant in intellect, forbearance, and intelligence, he encompassed many meanings in simple words. Part of his good fortune was that he was proverbial for his intellect, piety, and forbearance. People carried from him much knowledge of hadith and books of jurisprudence that Ismail ibn Ishaq compiled. He also worked on a large Musnad, and the people did not see in Baghdad a better gathering than his.
Al-Khatib al-Baghdadi: Trustworthy, excellent, one who has no equal in rulings, intellect, intelligence, and encompassing many meanings in simple words. He worked on a large Musnad, most of which he read to the people.
Al-Dhahabi: The great Imam, unparalleled in insight, intellect, forbearance, and intelligence. People carried from him vast knowledge in hadith and jurisprudence, and they did not see a more magnificent gathering than his for hadith.
Khalil ibn Aybak al-Safadi: He had no equal among judges in intellect, forbearance, intelligence, mastery, and ability to express many meanings in few words. People carried from him much knowledge of hadith and jurisprudence, and he compiled a large Musnad.
Abd al-Hayy ibn al-'Imad al-Hanbali: He praised him.