The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) sent Ali b. Abi Talib (a.s.) and Khalid b. Waleed (l.a.) on a mission (in one of the battles). He sent each of them separately, telling them that if they met, the commands of Ali were to be followed.
So we went our separate ways. Ali was far away from us but we saw Ali capture a female prisoner.
I (Buraidah) was one of the people who hated Ali b. Abi Talib the most.
Khalid knew how much I hated him so he said to me, “O Buraidah, you have seen what Ali has done, so take my letter to the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and inform him.”
So I brought Khalid’s letter to the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) I told him what Ali had done and I insulted Ali b. Abi Talib, looking down while I spoke.
When I raised my head and looked at the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.), I saw that he was enraged. I do not remember seeing him that angry except on the day of Quraizah and Nazeer.
The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) looked at me extremely angrily and said – O Buraidah! Have you become a hypocrite? O Buraidah! Ali is the authority assigned by Allah on you after me. Love Ali because he does what he is ordered to do.
After that day, Ali was the most beloved person in my heart.
Al-Amaali vol pg 256