Fear of Allah

Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him), narrated, Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) as saying to his Companions that:

“A man from among the early people or from those before you had said a word, i.e. Allah had blessed him with wealth and sons. When death approached him, he asked his sons: How was I being as a father? They replied: You were the best father. He said: I didn't save or perform any good deeds for Allah. If Allah takes possession of me, He will punish me. So, look! When I am dead, burn me until I become coal then crush me well and scatter (my ashes in the air) on a stormy day. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: He took a covenant from his sons (and died). They did according to his will and spread his ashes in the air on a stormy day. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) said: Be and there he was embodied before Him. Allah, the Exalted, asked him: O my slave! What induced you to do what you did? He replied: It was Your fear (so that I may not appear before You). The Prophet (Peace be upon him) added: Allah, the Exalted rewarded him with His Mercy; the (Peace be upon him) said second time: Allah did not punish him.”

(This Hadith is sound and reported by Bukhari and Muslim).

This man was a believer in the Power of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) to resurrect, and punish. His such belief and fear caused him to make that will which led him to Allah's forgiveness.