In Islam it's pretty much standard belief that the generation of Muhammad was best, followed by the companions, followed by those born after Muhammad died but who knew the companions, followed by the generation that knew the generation that knew the companions, and so on.

As such the standard practice in Sunni Islam is, as much as possible, to emulate their example so far as it is known in every possible way.

Not all hope is completely lost for new generations, however, as there is also the idea that every few centuries someone will come along to renew Islam and return the believers to righteous practice. Ghazali is recognized as such a man.