Can you mention the Arabic text and reference for this narration? Also, what does it mean?
Yahya Al Ghassani (rahimahullah) said “I never go to sleep telling myself that I’ll wake up” (Ibn Abid Dunya)
Answer
Imam Abu Bakr Ibn Abid Dunya (rahimahullah) has recorded this statement of Yahya Al Ghassani (rahimahullah).
(Kitabu Qasril Amal, Hadith: 38)
This means that Yahya Al Ghassani (rahimahullah) was always conscious of the fact that the angel of death could strike at any time. He never anticipated waking up whenever he went to sleep.
Arabic text
عن هشام بن يحيى الغساني عن أبيه أنه قال: ما نمت يوما قط فحدثت نفسي، أني أستيقظ منه
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar