It is narrated from Sayyiduna Ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) that there was a man who, apart from affirming the Oneness of Allah, had never performed any good deed. When his death approached, he said to his family: "When I die, seize me and burn me, then when I have been burnt and turned to coal, crush me, then on a day when a strong wind is blowing, scatter me in the sea." His family did as he had instructed, but he was still within Allah's grasp. Allah asked him: "What made you do this?" He replied: "Your fear." Upon this, Allah forgave him.
Hadith Referenceمسند احمد / مسند المكثرين من الصحابة / 3785
Hadith Gradingحکم دارالسلام:صحيح لغيره، وهذا إسناد حسن.