The Musnad (1), the long-lived travelling scholar (2), Fakhr al-Din Ibn al-Bukhari (3)—he is Abu al-Hasan ʿAli ibn Ahmad ibn ʿAbd al-Wahid al-Maqdisi, the Hanbali known as Ibn al-Bukhari.
He was born on the last day of the year 595 AH [five] (4), or, according to another report, on the first day of 596 AH. He heard a vast amount of hadith, journeyed with his family in search of knowledge, and was a righteous, devout, ascetic, and scrupulous worshipper. Because of his long life he became the sole transmitter of many narrations; collections of his teachers (mashaykhat) were compiled, and throngs beyond count heard from him. He remained devoted to this task until advanced age left him too weak to move about.
He also composed fine poetry. Among his verses (5):
[from the wāfir metre] (6)
“The years kept passing over me until
I wore away and was cast off like useless wares.
My benefit to people has grown scant, save that
I console myself with transmission and audition.
If it be sincere, then its reward is due,
But if it is tainted (7) it goes to waste.”
He further said (8):
[from the ṭawīl metre]
“To You I offer my excuse for praying seated,
For my weakness to walk to the Friday gatherings;
And for leaving the obligatory prayer in every mosque
Where the people assemble for the prescribed salat.
So, my Lord, do not detest my prayer; deliver me
From the Fire, and pardon my slips.”
He died (9) mid-morning on Wednesday, the second of Rabiʿ al-Akhar of this year, at the age of ninety-five. A great multitude attended his funeral, and he was buried beside his father, Shaykh Shams al-Din Ahmad ibn ʿAbd al-Wahid (10) at the foot of Mount Qasiyun.