It was once said to ‘Abdullah bin Al-Mubarak, “After you have prayed with us you don’t sit with us?” 

He replied, “I go and sit with the Sahabah (companions of the Prophet pbuh) & the Tabi’in (those who came after & followed the ways of the companions).”
 
We said, “And how can you sit with the Sahabah & Tabi’in (when they have all passed away)?” 

He replied, “I go and read the knowledge I have collected, I find their narrations and deeds. What would I do with you? You sit around backbiting people.”

 
[Al-Dhahabi, Siyar A’lam Al-Nubala` in his biography of ‘Abdullah bin Al-Mubarak]