When Zainul ‘Aabideen (rahimahullah) passed away, the people carrying out his ghusal saw that he had scars all over his back. They enquired as to what was the reason for that. They were told that he used to fill bags of flour, load it on his back at night, and personally hand it out to the poor residents of Madeenah Munawwarah. (Hilyatul Awliyaa vol. 3, pg. 160)
Lesson:
1. While the sinners wait anxiously for the night so that they may go ahead in fulfilling their evil desires and filthy aspirations, the pious servants of Allah Ta‘ala make the maximum of this ‘cover’ in doing good actions only for His pleasure.
2. Bringing ease and happiness to the servants of Allah Ta‘ala is an extremely meritorious act. After one’s demise, these very people continuously remember one and make du‘aa in his favor.
3. Actions receive their value in the sight of Allah Ta‘ala in proportion to the level of sincerity with which they were carried out. It is not the quantity of the optional actions, rather the quality which counts.