The authority assigned by Allah (S.w.t.)

Hasan bin Ali bin Affan, from Hasan bin Al- ‘Atiyyah, from Soaad, from Abdullah bin Ataa’, from Abdullah bin Buraidah, from his father, who said:

The Messenger of Allah (S.a.w.w.) sent Ali bin Abi Taleb (A.s.) and Khalid bin Waleed on a mission (in one of the battles). He sent each of them separately, telling them that if they met, the commands of Ali (A.s.)were to be followed.

So we went our separate ways. Ali (A.s.) was far away from us but we saw Ali (A.s.)  capture a female prisoner.

I (Buraidah) was one of the people who hated Ali bin Abi Taleb (A.s.) the most.

Khalid knew how much I hated him so he said to me. “O Buraidah, you have seen what Ali (A.s.) has done, so take my letter to the Prophet (S.a.w.w.)  and tell him.”

So I brought Khalid’s letter to the Messenger of Allah (S.a.w.w.). I told him what Ali (A.s.) had done and I insulted Ali bin Abi Taleb (A.s.), looking down while I spoke.

When I raised my head and looked at the Messenger of Allah (S.a.w.w.), I saw that he was enraged. I do not remember seeing him that angry except on the day of Qariz’ah.

The Messenger of Allah (S.a.w.w.) looked at me extremely angrily and said, “O Buraidah! Have you become a hypocrite? O Buraidah! Ali (A.s.) is the authority assigned by Allah (S.w.t.) on you after me. Love Ali (A.s.) because he does what he is ordered to do.” After that day, Ali (A.s.) was the most beloved person in my heart.

(Ref : Amaali of Tousi 1:256)