Al-Lalaka’i likewise narrated it from him. It is a strong corroborating report, since it is not something that can be said based on personal opinion.
- “My eyes sleep, but my heart does not sleep.”
Ibn Khuzaymah narrated it in his Sahih (1/9/2) through Yahya ibn Sa'id, from Ibn 'Ajlan, who said: “I heard my father narrate from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said it.”
I say: This is a good chain of transmission. He also has an authentic corroborating report from the hadith of 'A’ishah, who said: “I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, do you sleep before performing Witr?’ He replied: ‘O 'A’ishah, my eyes sleep, but my heart does not sleep.’” It was also narrated by the two Shaykhs in their Sahihs and by others, and is cited in Sahih Abi Dawud (1212). It has a third corroborating report from the hadith of Abu Bakrah, attributed to the Prophet. Ahmad narrated it (5/40, 49, 51–52). It is also reported from Ibn 'Abbas within a longer hadith; Abu Nu'aym narrated it (4/304–305).
- “An excellent death is for a man to die defending his right.”
Ahmad narrated it (1/184), and from him Abu 'Amr al-Dani in al-Fitan (148/1) and Abu Nu'aym in al-Hilyah (8/290), through Ibrahim ibn al-Muhajir, from Abu Bakr ibn Hafs