“There is no real life except pursuing horse against horse.” (1)

ʿĀṣim al-Aḥwal said:

Mawriq reported that Buraydah stipulated in his will that two fresh palm stalks be placed in his grave. He died in Khurāsān, and the only ones they could find were in a donkey’s saddle-bag. (2)

Maqātil ibn Ḥayyān also transmitted—from Ibn Buraydah, from his father—that he said:
“I was present at Khaybar and was among those who scaled the breach. I fought until my position was clearly visible, while I was wearing a red garment, and I know of no sin I committed in Islam more grievous for me than that”—meaning the quest for fame. (3)

I say: Yet the simple-minded people of our day count such an act among the greatest forms of jihad. In any case, deeds are reckoned by intentions, and perhaps Buraydah—God be pleased with him—through his self-reproach, will have that deed counted for him as obedience and jihad! The same can occur with a righteous act: a novice may boast of it and publicise it, whereupon it is transferred to the register of ostentation.

God the Exalted says: “And We will turn to the deeds they have done, and We shall make them scattered dust.” [al-Furqān 25:23]

Buraydah was also one of ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb’s commanders during the Sargh rotation. (4)

Ibn Saʿd and Abū ʿUbayd said that Buraydah died in the year 63 AH. Another opinion holds that he passed away in 62 AH, and this is the stronger view.